Soccer:Leicester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson fears striking target, Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long is destined for the Premier League. The Foxes had launched an unsuccessful bid for the Reading player, who has also been targeted by Championship rivals West Ham.

Leicester and West Ham are not alone in their courtship as West Brom, Sunderland, Everton and Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Long. Eriksson said: “Long is one on the list but he may end up in the Premier League. We are working on one or two more and if we do that it’s going to be a big name.”

Meanwhile Long’s fellow Irish international, Keith Andrews proposed loan move from Blackburn Rovers to Ipswich Town won’t happen in time for the latter’s opening fixture of the season against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell admitted: “It has been pretty disappointing. We have been trying to bring in two players this week but it hasn’t happened. One of the clubs has not even returned our calls.”

The manager would not comment on any particular speculation but added: “We hope to have two deals struck next week. It is not just about Saturday; we are still going to try and improve the squad.”

Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are believed to have also spoken to Blackburn about Andrews.