Simon Bird, who writes for the Daily Mirror (one of Newcastle’s preferred media partners), claims Charlie Austin will be unveiled as Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer next week.
The 25-year-old looks set to leave QPR following their relegation to the Championship and it seems that his club are willing to do business for the right fee. It was reported earlier this month that QPR will be holding out for a fee of £15 million but the Magpies are confident of agreeing a fee closer to their £10million valuation.
Controversial owner Mike Ashley has given his approval for the club to spend this summer. Whether the transfer will go ahead is down to the new Board of Directors – Lee Charnley, Graham Carr, Bob Moncur and Steve McClaren. Hopefully McClaren can prove to the remainding members of the board that Austin is worth every penny, having scored 18 goals in the league last season as QPR finished bottom of the Premier League.
Newcastle will also be encouraged by the Englishman’s liking for the move to St James’ Park. Furthermore, the appointment of Steve McClaren and imminent arrival of Steve Black have boosted their chances of signing the ex-Burnley striker. Black has previously worked with Austin at QPR.
Bird also claims England under-21 striker Saido Berahino is on Newcastle’s radar with his future at the Hawthorns in doubt, but is expected to cost around £20million.
Steve McClaren admits he is keen on bringing a ‘traditional Newcastle number nine’ to Tyneside.
“One thing I want to see is exciting players – a bit of pace, a bit of speed and individualism. This crowd has always had a number nine-style player and it’d be great to get one of them in,” he said when speaking with The Chronicle.
The Magpies are determined to make better use of their resources this summer, in order to prevent a repeat of last year when their proposed moves for Loic Remy and Alexandre Lacazette failed.
