Soccer:Sunderland are the latest club to be linked with the Republic of Ireland international Shane Long. The Reading striker is expected to move away from the Madejski Stadium after the Royals failed to gain promotion with Celtic, Everton and Newcastle all said to be interested.

Sunderland, however, now appear to head the queue of potential suitors with Steve Bruce reported to be preparing a bid in the region of €7.5 million. Bruce signed Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood last week and has already made an offer for Manchester United defender John O’Shea.

It appears likely that Long will not be the only Irish hitman on the move during the close season with Robbie Keane believed to be at the top of Blackburn’s summer shopping list while Kevin Doyle is said to be a target for Arsenal.