West Brom head coach Steve Clarke insists that he will not sell striker Shane Long this summer amid rumoured interest from former club and newly promoted Reading.
The Irish manager insists that the player is not for sale and will not be returning to former club Reading, who are reportedly looking to add reinforcements after achieving promotion into the English top flight.
Clarke’s first statement as Baggies boss was that he will be holding on to star strikers http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Peter-Odemwingie-c29794 and Shane Long, despite rumours that linked both players with moves away from the Hawthorns.
Both players had been instrumental to West Brom’s success in the Premier League last season, and Clarke wishes to build on that success, highlighting the fact that keeping his major players is the first step towards that.
West Brom recently played a pre-season friendly against Danish side Copenhagen on Wednesday in which Long scored a goal from a penalty kick. The striker almost added to his tally by scoring from a header in the 66th minute, but saw his effort
saved be the opposition’s goalkeeper.
Speaking to West Brom’s official website, Clarke said:
"We've had absolutely nothing on Shane. There have been no bids and he's not for sale. He's 100 per cent part of my plans."
The manager also talked about the ongoing contract negotiations with Swedish defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonas-c18967 Olsson.
"I haven't got anything new to report on that but I think you can see with Jonas' performances on the pitch he's still very much part of this club, that's the best place for Jonas to do his talking right now."
There is one player who could be on his way out of the club though. Striker Simon Cox has been the subject of bids from clubs whose name has not been disclosed by Clarke. The manager however admitted that he is considering offers for the player and revealed
that Cox could leave by the end of this week.
The manager said that Cox will still be training with the rest of the squad so that his pre-season progress is not disturbed. However, should an attractive offer be made, the manager will have to part ways with the striker.
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