Long saga yet to be resolved

After the owner of Hull City had said earlier in the day that a deal had been agreed with West Brom for the sale of striker Shane Long, there was still no confirmation last night that the protracted saga had reached a conclusion.

And while the Tigers remain favourites to bag the Baggies man, the rumour mill was also ablaze with speculation that Stoke City — where Mark Hughes is an admirer of Long — would make a late bid for the Irish striker.

Earlier, Allam had indicated Hull were close to a deal with the Republic of Ireland international.