Shane Long: I may leave West Brom

The Tigers are ready to step up their interest after discussing a £6m move with Hawthorns officials on Friday.

Hull boss Steve Bruce denied making a formal bid for the Ireland international, who almost moved to the KC Stadium in September, but admitted talks at 'boardroom level', during which a fee is thought to have been discussed.

Long, who started in Albion's 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Saturday, said: "I have always said I'm happy and settled here and I've got family who like living in the area.

"We will see what happens and what clubs come in and whether it's a good prospect for me, but if West Brom want me to stay that's probably what I'll do.

"But I suppose if a club doesn't want you, what's the point in staying?

"It's business at the end of the day and we've got a lot of options up front.

"If they do want to let me go we'll deal with that hurdle when it comes, or if it comes, but at the moment I'm a West Brom player and that's all I'm concentrating on.

"I've heard nothing. In the transfer window you're going to hear rumours but no-one has said anything to me so I'm concentrating on playing football."

Hull are increasingly confident that they can strike a deal to sign Long at the second attempt after the Baggies pulled the plug on a £6.5m move in September when the Tigers attempted to renegotiate the terms with the Irishman already on Humberside for a medical.

Albion are thought to have left the door open for the sale of the 26-year-old, who has six months remaining on his contract plus a year's option.

Long was restored to the starting line-up on Saturday but struggled and missed his side's best chance late on when goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved his close-range shot.

"It was one of those where, if it had hit my studs, it would have probably gone through his legs and in," said Long.

"I hit it too well and he spread himself well.

"If I'd shanked it a bit it could have just spun into the corner but I'm not kidding myself – I should score those goals."