Soccer:West Brom have finally signed Reading striker Shane Long for an undisclosed fee after the 24 year old Republic of Ireland international passed a medical and agreed terms. The striker has put pen to paper on an initial three-year contract with the option for a further 12 months.

Currently in Dublin with the Irish squad for tomorrow night’s friendly international against Croatia at the Aviva stadium he will be in contention to make his debut in West Brom’s opening Premiership game of the season against Manchester United at the Hawthorns on Sunday.

He becomes Baggies head coach Roy Hodgson’s sixth signing of the summer with the fee understood to be an initial €6.1 million rising to a possible €7.5 million with add-ons. Long has been Hodgson’s number one target throughout the summer to provide support for last season’s top scorer, Peter Odemwingie.

The Irish striker scored 25 goals for the Royals last season and was linked with a move to several clubs. Reading also confirmed Long’s move in a statement with chairman Sir John Madejski saying: “Shane has been a conscientious and loyal servant for Reading.

“Water will always find its own level, and nobody can deny a talented young player the opportunity to play at the highest level when they have the ability to do so. Had we won (the play-off final) at Wembley, I have no doubt that Shane would still be playing for Reading, but we wish him great luck at West Brom.”

Reading manager Brian McDermott said: “West Bromwich Albion and Roy Hodgson are very lucky to get Shane and I’m sure their fans will see what a great talent he is and how hard he’ll work for the team.”