Four ways Reading FC could line up if Shane Long completes transfer after Southampton release

Rumours have been rife over the past few days linking Shane Long with what would be an emotional return to Reading FC.

The Republic of Ireland international is a free agent having been released by Southampton and Royals are keeping tabs on him about a potential move for the upcoming 2022/23 season.

A Reading comeback would be quite something for Long, given it would be 11 years since he left Berkshire. The now 35-year-old was brought over to English football by Royals back in 2005. After a six-year stint in the Royal county, he went on to play for West Brom, Hull City and Saints for an almost combined £30million in transfer fees. While his best days may be over, there is no doubt he would offer Reading something different and unite a fanbase which has been increasingly divided over recent seasons.

Long's return is not yet confirmed, but there are certainly reasons to get excited about seeing him pull on a shirt at the Select Car Leasing Stadium once again. In light of this, we look at four ways the team could line up should he put pen to paper on a contract this summer.

One option for manager Paul Ince would be to play Long as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Granted, he is not, never has been and never will be a regular goalscorer, but he would do plenty of running to stretch opponents out of position and create chances for his teammates.

He would provide the side with a focal point and be someone who can hold the ball up and bring others into play - much like Lucas Joao does currently. And if he could chip in fairly regularly with a few goals and assists then he would be a valuable asset to the side.

Another option is for Long to be in the centre of a front three as part of a 4-3-3 formation. It is a system