Long admits future is out of his hands

Ireland striker Shane Long has admitted that he will have to move on if West Brom want to sell him.

As speculation has increased over the last six months, the Tipperary man has kept his counsel and carried on playing for the Baggies as Hull manager Steve Bruce has followed up his bid in January with another that appears to be acceptable to Albion. Much has been written about the club waiting for new manager Pepe Mel but as team coach, he will have little influence. The Baggies have a further year option on Long’s contract that expires in the summer but negotiations over the past 18 months with his advisors appear to have reached stalemate. “I have always said I’m happy and settled here and I’ve got family who like living in the area,” said 26-year-old Long, whose wife confirmed via Twitter they felt at home in the English midlands.

“We will see what happens and what clubs come in and whether it’s a good prospect for me, but if West Brom want me to stay, that’s probably what I’ll do.