The Chinese Super League has missed a trick as Shane Long is definitely going nowhere this summer.
Long has officially signed a new four-year deal with Southampton, keeping him at the club until 2020.
The striker was believed to be on the radar of a number of clubs, with Liverpool and Tottenham reportedly keen on introducing the pace of the Republic of Ireland international to their teams.
Delighted to have renewed my contract. Thanks to the club & the fans for your support! #saintsfc #wemarchon 😇 pic.twitter.com/4Q65lwVU3F
— Shane Long (@ShaneLong7) July 21, 2016
But after speaking to Saints officials since returning from international duty, Long has decided to stay put at the club he signed for in 2014, scoring 20 goals in 73 appearances since then.
“I’m delighted. I’m excited to be part of what could be a big future in the next four years for this club,” Long told the club’s website.
And, by the looks of things, overjoyed Saints fans are delighted too.
@ShaneLong7 buzzing you are staying with us mate!
— Marc Higgins (@MarcTR4) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 @marie_mullin Thank YOU, Shane! Thrilled & delighted you decided to remain a Saint! #saintsfc #WeMarchOn
— SaintCirce (@SaintCirce) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 best news! so delighted to read this!
— Swiss Saints Fan (@Gion_Brasser) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 great news for the club, big player for us!
— kevin willsher (@wilts34uk) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 so happy you’re staying at St Marys!!!! See you there!
— Madmarky01 (@Madmarky01) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 oh shaneyyy get in u beauty
— michael jauncey (@michaeljauncey) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 no, thank *you*. 100% effort every week #saintsfc
— Andrew Moore (@_awm) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 well on the way to be a legend, thanks Shane! Have a great season mate
— James Neuman (@JamesNewman76) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 good stuff Shane, Donegal saints fan is V happy
— Coss (@ear2wall) July 22, 2016
@ShaneLong7 love you Longy!!!
— Ian Thompson (@ianthompson08) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 Delighted for you man! My favourite player in the EPL #COYBIG
— Tom Carroll (@Tom_Carroll88) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 @SouthamptonFC u’ve made my day Shane.even read u rejected offers frm othr clubs,now thats not something we’re used 2 #wemarchon
— Gary Dowd (@GaryDowd1) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 THANK YOU … you are very appreciated by us fans … COYR !!
— Richard McK (@RichardMcK1) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 that’s put a smile on my face well done Shane another one committed to the saints , once a saint always a saint #wemarchon
— Andy knight (@AndyApgk66) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 Saints best player last season. Great news.
— Josh Dimond (@Diff89) July 21, 2016
@ShaneLong7 loyalty
— daveeee (@ALEXAJUICY) July 21, 2016
