Newcastle set to bid cash plus player for Long?

Reports coming out of Ireland have stated that Newcastle could be set to make a cash plus player deal for in-demand striker Shane Long, with the player being offered believed to be Leon Best.

There has been a variety of interest in the Republic of Ireland international with Wolves, Everton and Sunderland interested in the striker that scored 25 goals last campaign for the Royals.

However, Newcastle could be set to make a move for the 24-year old, using surplus to requirements striker Leon Best as a part of the deal.

We reported to you a few days ago that Reading were looking for around the £10m mark to lure Long away from the Madejski Stadium but following the £35m sale of England striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool in January, former Royals boss Alan Padrew could use some of that money to fund the deal for Long.

Leon Best has spent the majority of his Newcastle career on the bench at St. James` Park, only making 24 appearances and scoring 6 goals, including a hat-trick against West Ham in January.