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Hull will make a fresh £6.5million swoop for West Brom striker Shane Long in the January transfer window, writes Bill Cooper.

Boss Steve Bruce wanted to make Long the Tigers' record buy in the summer, but his deadline day bid for the Republic of Ireland hitman was dramatically aborted by Albion just minutes before the window closed.

The Baggies claimed they ditched the deal because Hull could not afford the fee and wanted to re-structure the terms.

But the premier League new boys hit back by insisting West Brom pulled the plug after deciding they didn't want to sell Long after all.

Bruce wants to resurrect the transfer because he needs to boost his newly-promoted side's firepower.

The Tigers have scored just nine goals in 11 Premier League outings this season, and Sone Aluko and Yannick Sagbo - with one apiece - are the only forwards to have netted.

Bruce has made the capture of a new marksman a priority with Aluko sidelined for three months with a torn Achilles and Sunderland threatening to recall Danny Graham from his season-long loan.

And he believes he can land Long, 26, at the second time of asking, as the former Reading star's talks about a new contract at The Hawthorns have broken down.

Long's current deal runs out in June, and the Baggies have yet to offer him a fresh deal.

The Irishman's rapidly running out of patience, and Bruce is ready to pounce and seal a transfer that would make the striker the most expensive player in Hull's history.

Midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who cost £5.5m from Tottenham three months ago, is currently their biggest buy.

Shane Long sings!