Queens Park Rangers manager Chris Ramsey has confirmed that Charlie Austin is only interested in joining a top-half Premier League side, all-but ruling out Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
The Englishman has been linked with a quick return back to the top-flight after he failed to help QPR stay in the Premier League despite his 18-goals last season.
Ramsey was speaking to TalkSPORT and he is aware that Austin is likely to leave, but he’s confirmed that he will only leave the club for a top-half Premier League side.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with signing the 26-year-old, so it’s believed they will be the two front-runners, ending Newcastle and Aston Villa‘s hopes.
QPR value the striker at £15million and have already rejected a formal offer from Leicester City, which was around the £12m mark.
According to Ramsey, if a top-half club doesn’t bid for Austin, he’s more than happy to stay at Loftus Road and play Championship football next season.
Ramsey told talkSPORT: “We have to be realistic. It’s unlikely he’ll stay. We want to keep him but it’s unlikely.
“He’s aiming to go to a team that’s in the top half of the table, if he doesn’t then he could stay.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt