Reading will not buy if Shane Long leaves - McDermott

This will be McDermott's second full-season in charge at Reading

Reading manager Brian McDermott says he will not replace striker Shane Long should he leave the club.

West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion are the leading contenders to sign Long, with Reading reportedly seeking at least £8m for him.

"To try to replace a player like Shane would be nigh on impossible," McDermott told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"The most important thing is our group and I don't think we're going to find a player that will make the difference."

He added: "It's going to be about the team and how we're organised - how it's been the past two seasons."

West Ham have already had a bid for the Republic of Ireland international turned down, while West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle, Everton and Celtic have also been suggested as possible destinations for the 24-year-old.

Reading's Championship campaign begins in a week's time, at home to Millwall, and McDermott says he cannot be sure whether he will have Long available for that match.

"It's still very early days. I remember we lost Gylfi Sigurdsson I think three days before the window shut last season, so that's the sort of thing that could happen. But we'll have to wait and see."