“More romantic than it is beneficial” – Reading set sights on Southampton player this summer: The verdict

Reading are currently monitoring Shane Long’s situation at Southampton, as per a report from Berkshire Live.

The 35-year-old, who spent six years with the club during 2005 to 2011, was restricted to a little over 300 minutes in the Premier League last season.

Coming to the end of his contract with the Saints, Reading, who are confined to scouting the free agent and loan markets, could look to pounce.

Long has played almost 350 games at Premier League level, whilst he is 12 short 0f 100 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Reading’s interest in making a move for the veteran forward…

Carla Devine 

Shane Long would be a good signing for Reading as a player with plenty of experience at the top level.

He could provide plenty of experience both on and off the field – which the Royals need after such a poor season this year.

Although the 35-year-old made only 13 appearances in the Premier League this past season, he was able to score a goal in those games, and considering he’d be dropping down a league he should be able to play more regularly despite his age.

In his whole Southampton career so far, Long has scored 37 goals and contributed 27 assists, showing he is a useful player to have in the side.

If he would be more suited to the Championship level now, then he could definitely contribute to this level again.

Considering the Royals can only sign free agents, this seems like a good place to start.

They will have to hope the player is willing to take a wage cut to get him, but assuming he is still keen to play as much as possible then he could definitely be keen on the move himself.

Charlie Gregory 

Shane Long has bagged plenty of goals in