‘Time running out’ on Hull target Long’s deal

The Republic of Ireland international striker was poised to join the Tigers in a club record £6.5m deal on September 2 only for the Baggies to pull the plug on the move at the 11th hour.

Hull were left bitterly disappointed at missing out on signing Long.

He had agreed personal terms and undergone a medical after being whisked over by private jet from Ireland’s World Cup training camp.

Despite that blow, with Albion informing Hull that the deal was off just over two hours before the 11pm deadline, Tigers chief Steve Bruce admitted he would be potentially interested in reviving a move in January.

Long, whose current Albion deal expires next June – although the Midlands club do have a year’s deal – has featured just three times since his proposed move to Hull fell through.

Talks over a contract extension have also fallen through, which has alerted the Tigers.

Long said: “I don’t want to go anywhere, but time is running out on my contract and if an opportunity comes along that is right for me and my family, I will have to take a look at it.

“But as it stands I’m happy where I am, as a family we’re happy where we are and I am enjoying life.

“I like playing for the manager (Steve Clarke) and I am just concentrating on my football and hoping the rest takes care of itself.”

Despite being effectively left high and dry on deadline day when West Brom put the blocks on his move to East Yorkshire, Long insists he has no regrets over his failure to land a move to the KC Stadium despite his current situation at The Hawthorns where he is behind a number of players in the pecking order up front.

Philosophical about his position and the dramatic transfer U-turn, Long added: “I am not disappointed that I didn’t go.

“I’m happy here, the lads are great and I’m enjoying playing football here.

“But at the same time what Hull were offering was promising and they are a team on the up. Either way, I was coming out a winner.”

On potentially moving back in for Long if circumstances changed, Bruce – speaking shortly after missing out on the player – admitted: “Shane is someone we like, of course, but I’m not sure whether it’s something we’ll be able to revisit.

“In the end West Brom chose not to sell so he’s still their player.

“Whether or not that will change, I don’t know. That would be their call.”