West Ham United are interested in Reading striker Shane Long.
The Daily Express says the Hammers are willing to offer £2 million to land the prolific forward.
Long, 23, was part of Steve Coppell's Premier League squad with Sidwell at Reading.
In his five and a half years there, he has scored 31 goals in 150 appearances - including twice in his last two outings against Bristol City and Derby.
Long also has five goals in 16 games for the Republic since making his debut against San Marino in February 2007.
