The world's foremost authority on football transfers, the Twitter account of Jim White (which we have every reason to believe is manned by Jim White), tonight broke the news to a disbelieving public that we all now live in world where Shane Long (fine diligent, workmanlike striker) is now worth £12m.
Apparently, Koeman moved for the Tipperary man after his original target, Javier Hernandez, turned down a possible move to Southampton.
Twitter is struggling to process the news. Here are the best tweets.
I don't think Shane Long's mother would pay £12m for him if it was a random and she was sitting on the cash
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) August 12, 2014
If Southampton are after someone to nearly score brilliant goals then £12m on Shane Long is money well spent.
— Evan Fanning (@evanfanning) August 12, 2014
The thing about paying £12million for Shane Long is that it's an utterly moronic and unfathomable thing to do.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) August 12, 2014
I can imagine the Shane Long negotiations between Hull and Sunderland resembled this... http://t.co/EiOCUdoQgK
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) August 12, 2014
Forget his striking prowess, there are few out there who can chew gum with the speed and total commitment that Shane Long does.... #saintsfc
— Ben Stanfield (@BenStanners) August 12, 2014
On the other hand that £12m for Shane Long could be a sound investment by Southampton. They'll make a killing when Liverpool come in for him
— Andy H (@Andy_H_EFC) August 12, 2014
£12m for Shane Long, who will repay his fee in endless willing runs into the channels.
— Football Clichés (@FootballCliches) August 12, 2014
