Report: Sunderland consider Shane Long swoop

Shane Long celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United on April 9, 2016
© Getty Images
A report claims that Sunderland want to sign Southampton forward Shane Long in the January transfer window.

Southampton forward Shane Long is reportedly a January transfer target for struggling Sunderland.

It is understood that Black Cats boss David Moyes will be given money to spend in the winter transfer window as the club prepare for another battle against the drop.

According to The Telegraph, Moyes has identified Long as his main target, with the Republic of Ireland international currently unsettled at St Mary's after struggling to make his mark in the early stages of the campaign.

The 29-year-old hit 13 goals in 34 appearances last term, but has not scored for Claude Puel's team this season.

Sunderland have only collected two points from their eight Premier League matches this term, which has left them bottom of the table ahead of this weekend's trip to West Ham United.

Southampton manager Claude Puel before his side's Premier League match against Leicester at the King Power Stadium on October 2, 2016
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