Pace, check. Work rate, check. Tireless pressuring of defenders in possession, check.
Shane Long certainly fits the bill in terms of the type of player most appreciated by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
After falling at the final hurdle in the Europa League, Klopp will be more closely examined following his first pre-season with the squad when he has been given the chance to bring in players who suit his style of play.
And, according to reports in the Sunday Independent, Southampton’s Long is one such player who the German is keen to bring in this summer.
Long has just seen out the most fruitful season of his career, scoring 13 times in 32 games for Saints, but it is much more than his goalscoring ability that has drawn praise from managers and pundits alike.
The indefatigable shifts turned in by the Republic of Ireland striker means he is essentially like having a player and a half out on the pitch and his energy has impressed Klopp since he arrived on Merseyside last October.
With Daniel Sturridge’s less-than-stellar injury record, Christian Benteke’s failure to adapt to life at Anfield and Divock Origi still only 21-years-old; Long is seen as the perfect candidate for Klopp.
It’s understood that the Reds boss will face considerable competition from Premier League champions Leicester who want to bolster their options up front so as not to rely too heavily on Jamie Vardy and Long is seen as a perfect alternative.
The Foxes’ interest in Long is reported to have been made known to the forward’s representatives and the allure of Champions League football may lead Long to favour Leicester over Liverpool.
Figures of €32m have been mentioned in relation to the deal as current manager Ronald Koeman will not want one of his star pupils to leave on the cheap.
We can not yet confirm whether or not that pricetag will increase when Long inevitably shoots Ireland to certain Euro 2016 glory.
