Albion blame Hull for Long deal farce

West Brom last night blamed Hull for the collapse of the deadline-day transfer of Ireland striker Shane Long, rejecting claims the deal was off as a result of Romelu Lukaku joining Everton.

Republic of Ireland striker Long had been given permission to leave the national team’s training camp to discuss a “transfer-related matter”.

The 26-year-old was reportedly at the Tigers’ training ground when it emerged Baggies boss Steve Clarke had pulled the plug on the deal.