Tom Barclay of The Sun has revealed the length of contract that Shane Long is expected to sign at Southampton.
The Telegraph reported last week that the Republic of Ireland international will sign a new deal with the Saints – his current terms are due to expire at the end of the season.
Now, Barclay appears to have revealed the length of Long’s potential contract, should he put pen to paper on renewing with the south coast side.
What did he say?
Barclay tweeted: “Understand Shane Long is in talks over a new two-year contract. He’s played a significant role in #Saintsfc turnaround since the 9-0 and is well liked by Ralph Hasenhuttl for his selfless approach. Current deal expires this summer.”
Will be good to keep him around
The former Reading, West Brom and Hull striker has enjoyed a fine stint at St Mary’s since arriving back in 2014 for a figure believed to be in the region of £12m.
Long has netted 34 goals and registered 26 assists in 201 appearances for the Saints, averaging a goal involvement every 3.35 games while being an admirable servant to the club.
If he does put pen to paper on a new two-year contract, it will see him celebrate his 35th birthday at the club, and also take his stay at St Mary’s to the eight-year mark – in a period where few players spend massive lengths of time with one team, Long’s commitment and loyalty should be commended.
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Even at 33 years of age, the Irishman is still proving his worth to the side having grabbed vital assists in the 2-1 Premier League victories over Norwich and Leicester, while he has also scored two goals despite playing second fiddle to Che Adams during the first half of the campaign as well as watching 17-goal Danny Ings rightly hoover up the plaudits.
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