Express & Star

Shane Long: My West Brom future is in doubt

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EXCLUSIVE: Striker Shane Long today admitted his Albion future is still in doubt as he revealed he has not had a contract offer for six months.

moreThe Ireland international insists he wants to stay at The Hawthorns after the Baggies pulled the plug on a proposed deadline-day move to Hull last month.

But, speaking for the first time about his dramatic dash to Humberside for a move that fell through, the 26-year-old 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 and I am just concentrating on my football and hoping the rest takes care of itself."

Long's representatives have held talks with Albion sporting and technical director Richard Garlick in recent weeks about an extension to his contact, which has nine months to run plus a year's option in the Baggies' favour, but negotiations have reached an impasse.

The former Reading man said: "It's still all up in the air. Nothing is concrete at the moment.

"There was one offer in March or April and ever since then it's gone quiet, so I am biding my time and seeing what they come back with.

"I will let that take care of itself and try to get minutes on the pitch, score goals and get my way back into the starting XI."

Long flew from an Ireland training camp to Hull on deadline day and looked set to sign for the Tigers after the clubs agreed a fee of around £6.5m.

But Albion called off the deal when Hull attempted to renegotiate the terms. And Long insists he has no hard feelings towards the Baggies.

"The manager rang me on the day and said he didn't want me to go but it was an offer they had to take a look at," said Long. "He said he wanted me to stay and I was a big part of his plans, so it's always refreshing to hear that.

"Hull made an offer that was accepted so I had to see what they had to say, but in the end West Brom didn't want to let me go so I stayed here and it's not as if I'm unhappy.

"But when the offer comes in you have to see what the other club has to say and whether it's good for you or not.

"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're a team on the up. Either way I was coming out a winner."