Newcastle United have seen a £13 million bid for Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin "not immediately rejected", WhatCulture.com/NUFC understands. United had seen a £12 million bid rejected for the 26-year-old earlier this summer, but this second offer is making Rangers think. The news comes as The Magpie's pursuit of Aleksandar Mitrovic looks set to be close to an end with the player undergoing a medical on Saturday evening after a fee believed to be in the region of £12.3 million was agreed between Newcastle and Belgian side Anderlecht. Betting was suspended on Austin joining Newcastle by the gambling wing of the Toons preferred media partner, Sky Sports, on Thursday, heightening speculation that a bid was imminent. Now, the club have finally made a concrete offer and are waiting for The Hoops' decision, who earlier in the summer slapped a £15 million price tag on the recent England call-up's head, only for the 18 goal hitman to later request it be lowered. Newcastle have concerns over meeting the asking price due to Austin's much publicised shoulder and knee problems, which saw him fail a medical at Hull City in 2013. This one looks like going the distance this summer, with West London Sport carry quotes from QPR director of football and former Newcastle number nine Les Ferdinand claiming the Championship side are considering making a fresh contract offer to Austin in order to keep him at Loftus Road. United have been battling the likes of Chelsea, AFC Bournemouth, West Bromwich Albion, Southampton, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Aston Villa for the forwards signature this summer following Rangers' relegation to the Championship Leicester had a £12 million bid rejected last month before Newcastle fired this fresh bid Loftus Road's way. We're now waiting for QPR's response. What a summer this could turn out to be for The Magpies. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
