Forest set to make cheeky bid for Long

Nottingham Forest are prepared to smash their wage structure to lure Ireland striker Shane Long from the Premier League during next month’s transfer window.

With talks to extend Long’s West Bromwich Albion contract stalled, the Baggies risk losing the forward for nothing in the summer when his current deal lapses.

Forest lie seventh in the Championship and need firepower to boost their promotion bid. Owner Fawaz Al Hasawi sanctioned failed multi-million euro bids for strikers Charlie Austin and Gary Hooper in recent months.