Newcastle offered Charlie Austin – should they sign him?

Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Southampton striker Charlie Austin this summer – but should they sign him?

According to The Chronicle, the Saints have offered the Magpies the chance to sign the 30-year-old ahead of the new season.

Austin isn’t in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-team plans at St Mary’s and looks set to end his three-year association with the club in the coming weeks.

Newcastle recently brought in Brazilian forward Joelinton from Hoffenheim in a club-record deal, with Steve Bruce keen on adding to his attacking options further in the coming weeks.

A move for Austin could turn out to be a sensible one. The Englishman has plenty of experience in the top-flight and would more than likely be available for a reasonable fee.

The former Burnley and QPR star has a real eye for goal, and if kept fit, could be a shrewd addition to Bruce’s squad.

However, with new manager Bruce reportedly having a healthy transfer budget, he may well decide to target a more lucrative addition.

He’ll have to be quick, though, with the window set to slam shut in just over two weeks time.