Albion want striker to stay longer

West Brom caretaker boss Keith Downing is determined to keep Shane Long at the Hawthorns and confident the striker will sign a new deal.

The Republic of Ireland international looked to be on his way to Hull City in the last transfer window, but the move fell through.

Hull boss Steve Bruce has been linked with another swoop for the former Reading man in January, while Championship side Nottingham Forest are also reported to be lining up an ambitious bid to take Long back to the second tier of English football.

Long is in the final year of his contract, but Downing is eager to ensure the 26-year-old extends his stay at The Hawthorns.

He told the Daily Star: “We are treating it that Shane is very much part of the set-up here.

“The club are actively trying to get him to sign a new deal and we’re quite confident of keeping him.”

Long has scored just three Premier League goals for Albion this season, but has only started 10 games for the Midlands club.