7 million was too much for Long in the first place IMO, so if we've got 12 million 6 months on then I'd bite their hands off. It looks possible that Sunderland will sell Wickham if they get Borini in, he'd be a good replacement, and we'd still be left with money in the bank. The Elmo rumours are slightly more worrying; for him to be linked with so many clubs means there must be something in it - whether it's an agent leaking them to try and get him a new deal or whether they're true who knows, but Elmo is probably the most important player in our squad for the way Bruce wants to play.
It's obviously what the two clubs have agreed is the right price. That still doesn't mean it isn't a lot of money.
Blame Fulham - they started the price madness by paying £11M for McCormack and other deals have fallen into line with that as a benchmark. £12M for Shane Long represents a £5M profit for us but I hope we have a replacement lined up.
I've seen 14 quoted, but I meant Wickham as a potential signing rather than Borini who I wouldn't go near.
In our 352, massively. I'm not 100% convinced by him in a 442, he never seems to get involved enough when playing on the wing and is a bit too suspect defensively but he's strong enough defensively to play as our right wing back. He makes a lot of crosses, is pretty quick and good in the air, but he's very one footed which means he has little variation down the wing to cut inside and either pass or shoot. I'd be disappointed if we sold Elmo because he's so important to the way we play.
I wouldn't be that gutted if we had to move back to a back 4 to be honest. Rosie is class and we have Ince/Snoddy/Aluko who can all play on the right.
Me neither, and I actually think we're stronger that way, but Bruce seems determined to play 352, and Rosie's final ball isn't good enough to play as a wing back to any degree of success IMO. Plus we don't have any other real option to play there.
Don't think we will sell Elmo. The difference between him and Long by the sounds of things is that Long hasn't settled in the area and wants to be in easy reach of Reading. Elmo has a huge amount of respect for SB and I think that is reciprocated by Bruce. Elmo won't want to go anywhere.
just seen the rumour that Long is set to move for £12 mill - that probably twice what he is worth . as much as i would like to see Long stay , i'd take £12mill and hope to snap up Hernandez from Man U
