Newcastle ARE STILL Interested In 18-Goal Hitman, Report Claims

Newcastle United are still interested in Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, according to The Daily Mail. This contrasts with reports earlier this month that the Magpies have ended their chase for the 18-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 already netted three times in the Championship for QPR in 2015-16 but he 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.

That move seems unlikely to be to West Ham United following Austin's public spat with the east London club's owner, but The Daily Mail claim Newcastle, Bournemouth, Leicester City and, most particularly, Crystal Palace want the 26-year-old. A potential snag in the deal is that QPR are adamant Austin will not be allowed to leave the club for less than his £15 million 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. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.