West Bromwich Albion will play Shane Long in the FA Cup today against Crystal Palace.
Cup-tying Long will drop his asking price, but WBA retain hope of securing him to a new contract.
Caretaker boss Keith Downing said: "Shane's contracted to us, the speculation hasn't been unsettling.
"He's fully fit now, but he's an Albion player - so he plays. We were part of the selection to get him in here, and we have a high regard for him.
"The speculation in the summer has brought it all up. We believe in him and he's part of the plans.
"I won't be involved in any transfer activity. But when the new man arrives, I'll have an input, we'll help him."
