The Baggies are closing in on a club-record deal to sign Long from Reading. Long is expected to cost West Brom in the region of £7million and a move to The Hawthorns would see him reunited with his old Royals colleague Cox. The strike pair are also international cohorts and Cox will relish the increased battle for starting spots in the Premier League this season. "He's a top, top boy," said Cox on Sky Sports News. "I know him from Reading when he came in with Kevin (Doyle) and Stephen Hunt. "I think, for me as a player, he would be a good addition to the squad and hopefully he comes in and produces exactly what he did last year. "Competition is good and healthy, and it makes players be at the top of their game day in, day out, week in and week out. "I'm quite happy to fight for my place, and some people might be fighting for places on the bench. If I'm one of those players, then great, it will bring the best out in me."
