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…
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 the top flight during his career, so based on his record he could be a decent signing for Reading.
If he’s cheap too, then he could be worth pursuing.
His experience could be invaluable and if he can add a few more goals to his game then he could be a solid striker in the second tier.
He’d certainly be needed by the Royals, especially if Lucas Joao does end up departing.
The forward would be a suitable replacement in terms of his hold-up ability and his ability to create things - but it’s just the goal record that is a worry.
Joao can score often, Long though managed only two this campaign and two previously for Bournemouth.
He can potentially find his best form in the Championship though and he could really help Reading climb the division.
Adam Jones
This signing is perhaps more romantic than it is beneficial for Reading.
Only scoring twice in 19 appearances for the Saints last term, it doesn't look as though the Irishman will be the type of player that can provide the attacking firepower needed to give the Royals the best chance of remaining afloat in the Championship next season.
The 35-year-old was an exceptional player for the Berkshire outfit when he was at the Select Car Leasing Stadium - but over a decade has passed since and you just feel they would benefit from recruiting a younger player who has more of a point to prove.
Bringing him back would help to create a feel-good factor around the club - but will his output be sufficient?
In the Championship, it remains to be seen whether he can improve his goal record.