Everton Transfers: 4 Replacements For Nikica Jelavic
3. Shane Long - West Bromwich Albion
Shane Long and Everton just seem like a perfect match. Longs contract with West Bromwich Albion runs out in the summer which means Everton can buy him relatively cheaply in January. Hull have been long term admirers of the striker and agreed a fee with West Brom for him last summer but the move never materialised. With Hull now turning their attentions to Jelavic, Long is there for the taking. It feels like a good time for Long and West Brom to part ways as it seems from the outside looking in that Long at West Brom has gone stale. The Irishman has been excellent for West Brom since signing for them from Reading three years ago but he has never been a prolific scorer in the Premier League with eight goals in each of his last two seasons. This season it seemed like Steve Clarke had lost faith in Long, quite often preferring Anelka or Anichebe in attack. The striker has netted only three league goals this season but showed what he is still capable of with a great brace in a 2-2 draw with rivals Aston Villa last year. With the emergence of Saido Berahino, it might be a good time for Long to leave for both the player and the club. Another positive of a potential Long move to Everton is that he played alongside current Everton striker Romelu Lukaku last season at West Brom. They didnt often play together but when they did they combined well. And if Martinez doesnt want to stray from playing one upfront then the Irishman would be perfect. The majority of his career at West Brom he played as a lone striker and he has the attributes to do so successfully at Everton too. Hes quick, powerful, can hold the ball up and is good in the air. Again, this would be ideal as it would allow the overworked Lukaku to sit out games in the second part of the season. Having said all that, if Longs wife has it her way then the striker wont be leaving the Hawthorns in January. Pregnant Kayleah Long told friends on Twitter that her husband wont be moving this January. She tweeted: Not going anywhere! Told Shane happy here & with baby on way it not worth the stress when still in contract! He agreed. #happydays And she replied to another tweet by saying: Just said to S (Shane) with getting T (daughter Teigan) school placement etc it not worth it when Shane's happy at WBA & settled. Although if Everton come knocking in January Shane Long might just put his foot down to push through a move to Goodison and join Ireland teammates Aiden McGeady, Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy.
