Alan Pardew has admitted that he has attempted to sign West Bromwich Albion forward Shane Long for Newcastle United on two occasions.

Long has been the subject of plenty of speculation recently because his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Newcastle manager Pardew is a keen admirer of Long, but he will be hoping that the 26-year-old has an off-day when the Baggies visit Tyneside this evening.

"He's a striker I've been interested in," Pardew told reporters. "I've always been aware of him through my Reading connections and a couple of times I have tried to bring him to this football club.

"He's in really good form. He's a dangerous player, really works hard and he has a flair about his game.

"For us, it is very important we do not let him have an opportunity, particularly our back four dwelling on the ball because he really does work you hard with or without the ball."

Long, who has scored 10 goals in 43 senior international appearances for the Republic of Ireland, has found the net three times in his last two games for West Brom.