Long time coming: Southampton finally sign striker

Southampton, 7/4 for a top ten finish, have signed former Hull City striker Shane Long for £12m.

Speaking about the new signing, Saints boss Koeman stated: “He brings ambition and a great mentality – he’s always running and always working, and he’s very down-to-earth. He’s a great person, and we need that type of player.

“He brings a lot of experience to our squad because he’s already played at Premier League level for a few years. He knows what we need at this level, and he can show that to our younger players as well.”

Long, 27, netted four times in 15 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side last season, and also spent seven years at Reading, representing them in both the Premier League and Championship. The Republic of Ireland international began his career at Cork City, and has earned 47 caps for his country.

Commenting on the surprising switch, Long said:

“I’m delighted. This came out of the blue for me but, once I’d come and had a look at the training facilities and met the manager, it seemed like the right decision for me and my family.

“It was a hard decision for me to make, but when you come down to Southampton you see how big a club it is and how well set up it is.

“In theory it’s a very good move for me, but all the hard work starts tomorrow when I get on the training pitch because I have to prove my worth.”

Koeman turned his attention to Long after apparent top target Javier Hernandez supposedly snubbed a move to St Mary’s. The Manchester United and Mexico poacher is believed to favour a move abroad, with his international manager Miguel Herrera urging him to make a summer switch to Juventus.

Now the Saints coach has managed to secure the services of Long, he will be likely be paired with fellow new signing Graziano Pelle, who arrived from Feyenoord for a reported fee of £8m. Both new buys will be charged with the responsibility of replacing the goal threat of departed striker Rickie Lambert, who scored 14 times for the Saints last term.