Shane Long is set to join Jeff Hendrick at Reading in the coming days.
The Ireland striker was at the Royals’ training ground on Tuesday afternoon to hold talks with head of football Mark Bowen, in a bid to finalise his return to the Madejski Stadium.
The pair worked together before at Southampton, where Bowen worked as assistant manager for 10 months in 2018.
Long became a free agent this summer when the Saints confirmed the end to his eight-year spell at St Mary’s.
The 35-year-old spent six years at Reading between 2005 and 2011, scoring 54 goals in 203 appearances.
After spells with West Brom and Hull, he was snapped up by Southampton for around €15m in August 2014.
While Long was in talks with Bowen yesterday, Jeff Hendrick was busy completing his season-long loan move to Reading.
And he made an immediate impression when he scored in a training ground friendly against Maidenhead United.
Hendrick was delighted to sign for Paul Ince’s side for the duration of the 2022/23 campaign, after a shorter loan move last year at QPR where he felt he didn’t do himself justice.
“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time at QPR, but it was short, it happened very suddenly, and I had a little niggly injury as well,” said the 74-time capped Ireland international.
“I didn’t get to play as much as I would’ve liked.
“A season-long loan is more ideal as it gives me the opportunity to get to know the lads more and be around them for a full season.”
Hendrick is ready to hit the ground running in Reading’s Championship opener against Blackpool.
“I’ve done three good days with Newcastle. Hopefully I can get going and see where I’m at. If I have to work hard I will and make sure I’m ready for the start of the season,” he said.
“You can do all the running you want but nothing compares to getting out and playing competitive games.”
Royals boss Ince paid tribute to his new signing, saying: “Jeff is a midfielder I have admired for a long period of time.
“He has the ability and experience to play in a number of roles across the midfield, he works hard, he wins the ball back, he can pick a pass and he can score goals too.
“A player of his experience will prove so important for this club going into the challenge of the Championship this season.”
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