Southampton striker Shane Long is in line for new contract talks.

The Daily Echo says his current deal runs out in the summer, but it's expected the striker will sign an extension before the season is out.

Long, 33, has an admirer in Ralph Hasenhuttl and has played a key role in the club's turnaround in form since the beginning of December.

The Republic of Ireland international recently netted in the defeat to Wolves and then the FA Cup loss away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Although Long doesn't score as often as he'd like, he's viewed as the player who has given Danny Ings the freedom to provide the goods.