Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren is ready to reignite the Magpies’ pursuit of Queens Park Rangers frontman Charlie Austin in January, after the Hoops’ director of football Les Ferdinand revealed that the England international could leave the club next month.
QPR are considering offloading Austin, whose contract expires this summer, in order to make a return on the investment they made on the then-Burnley forward two-and-a-half years ago, according to reports in the Shields Gazette.
Speaking to The London Evening Standard, Ferdinand conceded that Austin could feasibly move away from Loftus Road during the January transfer window:
“I’m realistic and sometimes that gets people upset, but there are teams in the top six of the Premier League that are struggling.
If one of those teams come in and bid for Charlie, he will want to go because that’s where he sees himself. Charlie’s goals-per-game ratio is up there with the best in the country.
Newcastle were installed as the bookmakers’ odds-on favourites to sign the former Swindon man during the summer transfer window. However, a move to St James’ Park never materialised, and the Tynesiders have paid for it in terms of their attacking prowess. The Magpies have scored just 19 league goals in 17 games this season – one of the worst records in the top flight.
The recent events have offered the opportunity for the Toon to pounce and finally secure the signing of their in-demand target. Although, they are poised to face fierce interest from cross-city rivals Sunderland.
The Black Cats are also rumoured to be interested in securing the ex-Burnley forward’s services in an attempt to escape the clutches of relegation for the fourth consecutive season.
