Shane Long pens a new deal

Reading striker Shane Long has signed a new contract for another four years. He has steadily progressed through the ranks after arriving over to the club as part of the Kevin Doyle transfer from Cork City. The Reading director of football Nick Hammond was delighted with Shanes contract extension. He felt Long was a real prospect but urged the fans to give him more time as he is still only a young player.



Meanwhile Stephen Hunt may sign a new contract next week even with other clubs looking at him. He asked for a pay rise last month even though he only signed a new four year deal 6 months ago. He was one of Readings most improved players last season so they may feel he is worth holding onto.

Another Reading Irishman who wasn't so lucky was winger Jonathan Hayes who was on loan at Milton Keynes Dons last season where he played under Leicester boss Martin Allen. He has signed a three-year contract with Leicester City.

Allen told the club's official website:

"I have seen Jonathan play for Reading reserves on numerous occasions," . "He has pace, he is direct and he is very confident.

"I took him there as a squad player to help with our run-in, but he did so well that he actually got himself into the starting XI.

"He is at a right age to improve. He has still got a lot to do and he is not the finished article, but with a good pre-season he could be a spark of energy that helps us win some matches if he does what I want him to."