West Bromwich Albion are locked in talks with Reading for striker Shane Long.
The Sun says Baggies boss Roy Hodgson is a big admirer of the striker but they are unable to meet the £8m valuation.
The Royals may be willing to talk for around £6m and Long, 24, is desperate for a move to the Premier League.
West Brom are also hoping to move talks forward with Birmingham keeper Ben Foster over the weekend.
Blues are willing to let Foster go to a Prem club on a season's loan for £1m but Baggies want to negotiate over his wages.
