Crystal Palace look to have gained a jump-start on their rivals for Charlie Austin's signature, with The Sun reporting that the Eagles are set to make a £7.5 million bid for the QPR striker. Alan Pardew's team have been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this season, playing some impressive football and currently finding themselves sitting 7th in the league table. However, goals have been an issue for them of late, with three consecutive games without scoring and Patrick Bamford's loan-spell being cut short. The rest of the strikers, including summer signing Connor Wickham, have all failed to impress, so it shouldn't be any surprise that Palace are looking to bolster their strikeforce and continue their push for a European spot. Austin impressed in the Premier League last year, scoring 18 goals in a QPR team who were ultimately relegated and forcing his way into the England squad. He was heavily linked with a move away back in the summer, but that failed to materialise with his club holding out for a higher valuation than the offers they received. However, with his contract soon to expire - and Austin wanting to force himself back into the England reckoning ahead of Euro 2016 - they may be ready to cash-in. Palace's offer could also start something of a bidding war, with Newcastle, Bournemouth, Norwich, and West Ham all reportedly interested in the striker.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
