Crystal Palace are set to win the race for Charlie Austin according to a report in The Mirror. Eagles boss Alan Pardew is set to beat his former club to the signing of the England man after reportedly becoming "confident" that Queens Park Rangers would lower their £15 million valuation of the player. The 26-year-old, who has scored four goals in four games this season for Rangers, was once again linked to Newcastle on Sunday after a report in the Mail stated that both United and Bournemouth were still interested in the striker. This contrasts with reports earlier this month that the Magpies have ended their chase for the 18 Barclays Premier League goal hitman, however, but it is known that Steve McClaren would love to be reunited with a forward he worked closely with at Loftus Road. Austin has made it clear that he wants to play in the Barclays Premier League again this season, should a club make a move for him. A potential snag in the deal is that QPR are adamant Austin will not be allowed to leave the club for less than his asking price, a figure Newcastle will certainly not meet. The Magpies have already made five summer signings at a combined cost of almost £50 million this summer and it appears unlikely that Austin will be their sixth. Although this one certainly looks like rumbling on until the end of the window. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.