Transfer Centre

Five possible destinations for Charlie Austin

By Sian Cowper, Reporter | 05 July 2015

Sports Mole looks at some of the potential destinations for Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin during this summer's transfer window.

Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has been hotly tipped to leave Loftus Road before the end of this summer's transfer window, with the Hoops having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2014-15 season.

The Englishman netted 18 goals in the league for QPR last season, resulting in him attracting interest from a host of top-flight sides.

Charlie Austin of QPR celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Burnley on December 6, 2014 © Getty Images

With new clubs seemingly being linked with Austin every day, Sports Mole takes a look at some of the more-likely destinations for the 25-year-old.

1. Newcastle United

Steve McClaren's Newcastle United have emerged as the favourites to sign Austin in the last few days, with the Magpies reportedly making a £15m bid for the forward.

Newcastle were desperately short of goals at times last season, scoring just 40 goals throughout the year, leaving them to finish the campaign just outside the relegation zone.

Last season's top scorer, Papiss Cisse, added 11 goals, but spent a lengthy spell out through suspension after a spitting incident, exposing the side's shortness of goalscorers.

The latest reports suggest that a bid for Austin could be made in the coming days, but the expected £15m offer is short of the £20m price tag that director of football Les Ferdinand is believed to have put on the striker.

2. West Ham United

The striker could have the opportunity to stay in London, with West Ham United having also been linked with a move for Austin.

Slaven Bilic's team are reportedly prepared to let Andy Carroll return to Newcastle in order to make space for Austin in their squad.

Charlie Austin of QPR throws the ball down in frustration during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United at Loftus Road on April 25, 2015 © Getty Images

The Hammers have plenty of potential goalscorers already, with Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and new signing Dimitri Payet already on the books, but the addition of Austin could help them play the attractive, attacking-style football that the club's owners crave.

West Ham made a strong start last season, but a season-ending injury to Carroll and losing players during the African Cup of Nations saw the goals dry up in the second half of the campaign, ultimately costing Sam Allardyce his job as manager.

3. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace were one of the first teams to emerge as a serious contender to sign Austin this summer, but have reportedly put their bid on the back burner because of QPR's asking price.

The Eagles are thought to have made a bid already, but the board has not been willing to offer Alan Pardew £15m to increase his offer for the Englishman.

However, there could be hope for Palace yet, as it has been speculated that Austin has asked QPR to drop their valuation, despite other clubs said to be willing to bid more, which seems to suggest that he is keen for the move.

Palace are preparing for their first full season under Pardew, and the manager will surely be keen to put his own stamp on the squad, although his team did score the 10th-most goals in the Premier League last season.

4. West Bromwich Albion

Newcastle may be on the verge of making a £15m bid, but West Bromwich Albion have also made an enquiry about the striker, according to reports.

Charlie Austin of QPR celebrates victory after his three goals during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion at Loftus Road on December 20, 2014 © Getty Images

Tony Pulis's side were thought to be close to a deal for Demba Ba, but with the former Chelsea striker signing for a Chinese side instead, the Baggies are still looking to add to their strikeforce.

West Brom broke their transfer record last summer to bring in Brown Ideye for £10m from Dynamo Kiev, so they would likely have to go above and beyond that amount to secure Austin.

West Brom already have Saido Berahino, Ideye and Victor Anichebe on their books, but all three had patchy form during the 2014-15 season, so Austin's 18-goal campaign would be valued at The Hawthorns.

5. Leicester City

Leicester City have reportedly had a £12m offer for Austin turned down already, just a couple of days after they parted company with manager Nigel Pearson.

The Foxes' transfer plans may have to take a back seat while they get their managerial situation sorted out though, as Austin may be unwilling to commit to a club without knowing who he will be working under.

Leicester will surely have to raise their bid if they are to beat the likes of Newcastle and West Ham to the 25-year-old, and like West Brom would have to break their transfer record, having paid £9m for Andrej Kramaric in January.