Hammers eyeing new striker target

Shane Long

West Ham are stepping up their interest in Southampton’s Shane Long as they bid to develop realistic back up targets should they fail to land Jermain Defoe.

The club are taking the  view that Sunderland are unlikely to let the striker leave the Stadium of Light given he is their one hope against relegation.

Long, 29, has fallen down the Southampton pecking order since the arrival of manager Claude Puel and the Hammers see the Republic of Ireland International as the Premier League proven player they need.

Long  has not scored in the Premier League since May, after hitting double figures for the first time in his career last season, and is battling for a place in the Southampton team.  Jay Rodriguez’s return to form has not helped Long’s chances and he has been used sparingly this campaign.

Head of Recruitment Tony Henry has personally watched Brentford’s Scott Hogan on several occasions but Saints are seen as a selling club whilst Brentford are holding out for £15 million.

ClaretandHugh was told this evening: “Scott has to prove it and may be a gamble at this stage of proceedings. Long’s name is being freely mentioned around the club and has performed well at this level and internationally”

Saints are believed to value the player at round £12 million and he signed a contract last season which now has three years to run.”