This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Queens Park Rangers have joined the race to sign former Premier League striker Shane Long this summer.

As per our FLW exclusive, the 35-year-old is attracting interest from the R's following his recent release by Southampton upon the expiry of his contract there.

Long's former club Reading are also eyeing a re-union with the forward.

Considering the above, we asked our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on a potential Loftus Road move for the former Republic of Ireland international.

Billy Mulley

This is the kind of signing that could reap lots of rewards for QPR next season.

Not as electric as he once was, however, Shane Long is still the kind of striker who will cause chaos when running in behind, whilst he possesses an excellent level of attacking intelligence.

I am not too sure if Macauley Bonne and Charlie Kelman are at a level, currently, where they could be called upon for first-team duties on a regular basis, placing a need on adding at least another forward to the ranks.

With Lyndon Dykes still at the club, Long would offer a contrasting yet complementary skillset to the Scotsman, making this a move that QPR ought to strengthen their interest in.

Should they agree a deal with Long, I would still like to see a more youthful, promising forward to arrive at the Kiyan Prince Stadium - someone like a Cameron Archer, Troy Parrott or Kion Etete.

 

 

Carla Devine

This would be a good signing for QPR ahead of the new season.

Shane Long is a player with plenty of experience which would allow him to add significantly both on and off the pitch in a side hoping for a promotion push next season.

Whilst the 35-year-old hasn’t had as much game time in the past number of seasons, the forward has established himself in the Premier League performing consistently. Furthermore, he’s played in the Championship before with Reading.

Considering he’s out of contract with Southampton now and therefore available on a free transfer this summer, as long as his wage demands are not too high then this would be an excellent bit of business and a strong acquisition.

Alfie Burns

It’s an interesting link given Tyler Roberts is bound for QPR and on the cusp of a medical.

Whilst QPR need to bolster their attacking options, you’d question bringing in both Roberts and Long.

Roberts is at a good age and there’s going to be a multi-million pound layout to get him permanently further down the line. Long, meanwhile, will command a significant wage.

It’s not that QPR wouldn’t benefit from the depth of both, it’s just that they are going to be pricey options in this window.

With Roberts quite far down the line, you’d expect him to sign. That then begs the question whether or not QPR actually need Long.