Celtic make Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long their top summer target

28 April 2011 01:24
Celtic have pinpointed Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long as their No 1 transfer target this summer.[LNB] In a major obstacle to Neil Lennon's plans to land the striker at the second attempt, however, Reading are poised to start the bidding at ?5million after a stunning season for their top scorer.[LNB] Hot property: Reading's Shane Long[LNB] The 24-year-old will quit the Madejski Stadium at the end of the season if the Championship club fail to secure promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs.[LNB] Already aware of Celtic's interest, Long is willing to consider a move to the SPL. [LNB]But with 23 goals in 46 appearances this season, a raft of English top-flight clubs are now set to trigger an auction, with Everton, Newcastle, Sunderland and Birmingham having all tracked Long closely.[LNB] Lennon first tried to secure Long for Celtic in January before Reading slapped a ?3m price tag on his head.[LNB] Now it seems the Parkhead club will have to smash the record ?6m they paid for their current manager 11 years ago to land their priority capture.[LNB] Long has tried to distance himself from the speculation, saying at the weekend: 'It's always nice to hear good things but I try not to take too much notice of it. I just concentrate on scoring goals for Reading.'[LNB] Celtic are also keeping tabs on Crystal Palace's on-loan Everton striker James Vaughan and Swansea defender Ashley Williams.[LNB] German defender Andreas Hinkel, meanwhile, is a target for Bundesliga giants Hertha Berlin. [LNB] Thompson hails Lennon for keeping his focus after another parcel bomb Celtic boss Lennon believes his squad's strength in depth will be key to winning SPL title[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: James Vaughan Places: Newcastle, Birmingham, Republic of Ireland, Parkhead Club

Source: Daily_Mail