Report: Hammers set for late defender swoop
And that squares with suggestions currently doing the rounds that the boss is looking for a defender to challenge Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid for the back up spot in the Hammers squad.
The 26 year old – with a price tag of between £3m-£4m on his head – has also interested Marseilles, Fiorentina, Rennes and Lyon.
But according to Sky Sports Dharmesh Sheth the Hammers have triggered a clause in the player’s contract but are struggling to get the work permit rule sanctioned with the Home Office where the non regular internationals with exceptional talent are the criteria.
However, Long’s representatives are reportedly pulling out all the stops to get the 11-time American international to the London Stadium.
It remains difficult to see how they can circumvent the Home Office rules and it will come as a surprise to many that the boss is keen to add a defender rather than striker or defensive midfielder anyway.
But maybe things became clearer during the friendly against Hertha Berlin when three of the team’s five goas came out of midfield.
At the back however, it was apparent there was work to be done and with Ogbonna still producing some indifferent displays and Reid nowhere near full match fitness, a defender seems to be Pellegrini’s priority.
Long played 31 of 34 games for the Bulls last season and was also named the MLS defender of the Year becoming the first player in the MLS gam’es history to lift the award.
He also reorded a career-best three goals and two assists and was the rock at the centre of a backline which kept 14 vlean sheets – four in the last five matches.