Leeds should join promotion rivals in hunt for Shane Long

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Southampton forward Shane Long has been linked with a move to the Championship.

And all of the promotion hopefuls in the second tier should be hot in pursuit of the veteran striker, including Leeds United.

The 31-year-old has vast experience in the Premier League but his goal scoring record is not what Southampton need at the minute.

Sheffield United are rumoured to be interested in signing Long, but Leeds should enter the race for him.

The Republic of Ireland international can play as a centre-forward, number 10 or on the wing, giving Marcelo Bielsa versatility in his forward ranks.

With Samu Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski out of form, Long could be used on the flanks and his relentless running will trouble any Championship full-back.

His last season in the Championship was in 2010/11 with Reading and that yielded 25 goals, including 21 in the league.

While he may not replicate that sort of form now, Long would certainly be comfortable at Championship level.

His pace, energy and commitment would make him the sort of workhorse Bielsa likes to have in his ranks.

As either a second striker to compete with Roofe, an attacking midfielder to rotate with Pablo Hernandez or a winger to oust Alioski, Long would be an excellent addition for Leeds this January.