Southampton confirm signing of Charlie Austin from Queens Park Rangers

Southampton have confirmed the signing of Charlie Austin from Queens Park Rangers on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The 26-year-old striker, who scored 48 goals in 89 appearances in a two-and-a-half-year spell at Loftus Road, was linked to West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, but he has opted to switch to the South Coast.

Welcome to #SaintsFC, @chazaustin9! #SaintCharlie pic.twitter.com/ZeKYe1cbPc

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 16, 2016

Austin, who is believed to have cost Southampton a fee in the region of £4m, has put pen to paper on a long-term contract.

"I'm delighted to have got it over the line so soon into January," Austin told the club's official website. "I can't wait to get started now. As soon as Southampton showed an interest that was the one club I wanted to go to.

"You see the progression from when I was playing against Southampton for Swindon. For me, it was important to come to a club that's on the up and that's what I've got here."

Southampton's executive director of football Les Reed added: "We are very happy to be able to welcome Charlie to the club. Coming after Wednesday's morale-boosting home victory, this signing is an indicator of our intent to finish the season strongly and continue the progress we've made in the last few years.

"Charlie shares that ambition. He has a fantastic goalscoring pedigree, but remains hungry to improve and develop as a footballer - something that convinced him that Southampton is the ideal next step in his career.

"Having had a taste of Premier League football and his first call-up to the England squad last season, he is determined to establish himself at the highest level of the game. Bringing Charlie here is a show of the club's commitment to its plan for future success through investment in talent with a desire to grow and develop."

Austin will join up with his new teammates next week.