Sunderland join in chase for Long

Sunderland have joined in the race for in-demand Reading striker Shane Long.

The Republic of Ireland international said he was going to ignore any transfer talk coming his way and just focus on pre-season with the Royals but interest from a Premier League team may be too good an opportunity for Long to turn down.

Steve Bruce has been searching for strikers ever since the departure of England international Darren Bent and is in need of a goalscorer, considering their lack of goals and poor form towards the end of last season with the 25 goal Long fitting the bill.

There has been a range of interest in the 24-year old with a handful of Premier League teams interested in his services along with Celtic in the SPL.

Reports have shown that Sunderland are willing to offer the Royals something in the range of £7m for their star striker, which will surely lure the Irishman away from the Madejski Stadium.

Long is one of the few key players that has been offered a new contract at the club but whether he accepts the contract remains to be seen, with Reading boss Brian McDermott still hopeful of keeping him.

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