Reading have registered their interest in bringing Shane Long back to the Madejski Stadium.
Long’s departure from Southampton was confirmed on Friday by the Premier League side, just hours after Royals head of football operations Mark Bowen spoke of a potential swoop for the Ireland striker.
The Tipperary native spent six years at Reading between 2005 and 2011, before moving to West Brom, Hull and then Southampton.
Reading can only sign loan players or free agents due to transfer restrictions in place.
Bowen told Berkshire Live: “Shane Long - I worked with him at Southampton and I've worked with Andre Gray as well - they are players we have looked at and continue to look at.
“It's in that complicated process - are they suitable for us as players first and foremost, are they suitable financially and it might come down to one or two players but they are players we are looking at at the moment.”
Royals boss Paul Ince has just 14 senior players signed up so far, including three signed so far this summer - Joe Lumley, Tom Ince and Dean Bouzanis.
In confirming Long’s departure, the Saints paid tribute to the 88-time capped Ireland striker for the “significant contribution” he made to the club’s recent history.
The 35-year-old played 245 times in all competitions for Southampton and scored 37 goals.
He scored the Premier League’s fastest ever goal at 7.69 seconds against Watford in April 2019.
“Everyone at Southampton Football Club would like to express their gratitude to Shane for his incredible dedication and service throughout his time at St Mary’s, and we wish him well for the future,” read the statement.
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