Bruce misses out on West Brom’s Shane Long

Hull City manager Steve Bruce was left frustrated on a tense transfer deadline day as a last minute move for West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long was blocked by the Midlands club.

At around 7pm, news emerged that City had targeted Long as their main striking target, agreeing a deal which saw Long leave the Republic of Ireland team hotel in order to fly into Leeds to discuss terms over a move to the KC as well as to undergo a medical. It later emerged that City had agreed a club record fee for the striker, believed to be in the region of £5 million with Long having agreed personal terms.

Both manager and player arrived at the Cottingham training ground shortly after 10:30pm in order to conclude the deal before the 11pm deadline with any move for Long dependent on West Bromwich Albion strengthening their ranks first. Having themselves made a club record signing for Sunderland`s Stephan Sessegnon already and being in line to sign either Romelu Lukaku on loan or Victor Anichebe for £6 million, the Long move appeared to be secured. However, after the deadline had closed, news soon emerged that West Brom had blocked Long`s move to Hull City. Such news was a surprise as ultimately West Brom concluded their additions which included the expected arrival of Victor Anichebe (albeit after the 11pm deadline;) a transfer which would have allowed Long to move to East Yorkshire.

As a result, Steve Bruce`s surprising move for Long was in vain with City now having to wait until January to further bolster their squad. Although the ambitious move for Long did not materialise, City did re-sign striker Gedo on a season long loan after Al-Ahly had initially blocked the strikers return to the KC. The Egyptian forward made twelve appearances towards the end of last season before suffering a foot injury against Bristol City, scoring five goals.