Newcastle United have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Charlie Austin, according to fresh reports from Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard.
Simon reports that high-flying Southampton are currently in pole position to land Austin in January, having failed to agree a fee with Queens Park Rangers in the summer. The Saints hope they will be able to negotiate a cut-price fee for the 26-year-old with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
A host of Premier League clubs also hold an interest in Austin, including Newcastle, Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth, but the Saints remain in pole position as Austin is reportedly ‘unprepared’ to join a club battling relegation.
A striker arrival on Tyneside is still possible, with reports emerging from German publication Bild that Graham Carr’s scouting team have been monitoring Austrian striker Rubin Okotie, who currently plies his trade for 2. Bundesliga outfit 1860 Munich.
The 28-year-old has netted five times in 12 games this season, though three came in his last outing, against FC Paderborn.
Some of you may remember Rubin for this funny encounter with Sweden international and former Barcelona star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
— Vine
