Baggies forward feeling relaxed over new deal.
Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts
West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long has admitted that he is not worried over the amount of time it’s taking the club to sort out a new deal to keep him at the club, Sky Sports reports.
The Republic of Ireland international has been locked in talks with the club over a new deal for several months now after they had made it clear that they want to keep him in the West Midlands amidst interest from several suitors.
The 26-year-old is now entering the final year of his contract at the Hawthornes, and has insisted that the prolonged negotiations have not distracted him from focussing on the new season.
“We’re still in talks,” Long told the Express & Star. “I still have a year and an option left so I’m concentrating on playing for West Brom this season and hopefully having another really good season in the Premier League and we will see where the contract talks go in the future.
“I’m still a West Brom player and that’s all I’m looking at now.
“It’s up to the club and agents to sort out other things and I won’t let it faze me.
“I just keep my eye on the football and let other things take care of themselves.”
Long also believes that the club’s signing of Nicolas Anelka outlines the ambitions of manager Steve Clarke and he has admitted that he is excited to be a part of those plans.
“It’s a sign that the club wants to move on to bigger and better things that a player like Nico has come in,” added Long. “He is known throughout the world as one of the best footballers.
“He has chosen to come to West Brom because he obviously sees it as a team on the up as well and he thinks we will be good in the Premier League and hopefully fighting for a place in Europe.
“It shows that the club are heading in the right direction and I would like to be a part of that.”