Hull City have made a transfer bid for Shane Long ahead of today’s Premier League tie with Chelsea. The deal is believed to be worth around £6m, according to reports.

West Brom have not confirmed the bid, and are believed to be keen to hang on to the striker, but Hull manager Steve Bruce has held a long running interest in signing the striker and came close to signing the Ireland international in the summer. With just 5 months left on Long's contract, plus a 12 month option, West Brom may be forced to allow him to leave before his transfer value begins to fall.

West Brom remain insistent that the Ireland international is still in their first team plans, with caretaker manager Keith Downing telling reporters on Friday: “I spoke to Shane - there are no distractions.

“He wants to get back on the goal trail. He’s a top player for us - we’ve said that for a while,” Downing said.
The arrival of West Brom’s new manager, Spaniard Pepe Mel, could mean the Baggies need to raise transfer funds to allow January sp[ending, but Downing was clear tht the new man will be made aware of Long’s value as a West Brom player.

“I’m sure Pepe Mel will be aware that he’s part of our plans,” Downing said.

“We have no intention of losing him. Me, personally, I want to keep him. But it’s down to the board. He’s good, his mind is good, he wants to play.”