Southampton enter the race to sign QPR striker
Southampton are set to table a formal offer for Queens Park Rangers star Charlie Austin, as the race for the England international hots up.
The 25-year-old is expected to leave Loftus Road this summer after The Rs were relegated from the Premier League at the first time of asking, and with the club set for a squad overhaul, it’s believed they want to raise money from player sales.
Interest in Austin
Austin is the more likely to go after his brilliant debut campaign in the top-division, scoring 18 goals and making him one of the top scorers in the division and there are several interested parties.
According to reports, Newcastle United, Southampton, West Ham United and Chelsea are all interested in signing the striker and could all table bids.
However, reports emerged yesterday that bookies had stopped taking money on Austin to West Ham, meaning a deal to Upton Park was looking most likely.
Despite the bookies stopping bets, it’s reported that Saints are set to launch a fresh bid for the 25-year-old and will offer QPR around £10million for the star.
Austin has one year left remaining at QPR, but it’s heavily expected he will leave the club, and it’s believed he will make his decision up in the next week, with the four teams all interested.
Austin’s Desires
According to some reports, Austin is keen to avoid a relegation scrap again if he were to move, meaning Newcastle may have to convince him about their plans. Whilst he also would ideally like to remain in London, all-but ruling out a move to Southampton.
So that would leave West Ham and Chelsea, but with The Blues set to sign Radamel Falcao, that would leave Austin way down the pecking order.
Austin is keen for a move but is also adamant on making sure he gets enough first-team football, which could leave The Hammers in pole position.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
