Newcastle Baited By Club To Make "Firm Offer" For Top Target

Queens Park Rangers boss Chris Ramsey has effectively baited Newcastle United and other potential suitors to make a "firm offer" in their pursuit of Charlie Austin. The striker's future has been the source of continued speculation this summer, but as of yet Austin - who scored 18 goals in the Barclays Premier League last season - has remained in west London due to the fact nobody has met their £15 million valuation. Austin started QPR€™s 2-0 opening-day defeat to Charlton Athletic but that could potentially be his final game for the club, with Newcastle tipped as a potential destination.

And when asked about Austin future, Ramsey said (The Chronicle):

"If a club wants him and come in and make firm offers, and if the owners think it€™s the right offer, then he€™ll go. "All we€™re looking for is a firm offer to get this thing sorted one way or another. "We haven€™t had any firm offers for Charlie and as far as we€™re concerned he€™s a QPR player and will want to do his best to get his goalscoring tally up to where it was last year."

Leicester City are known to have had a £12 million offer turned down earlier in the summer, but several other Premier League clubs are also believed to be interested - including the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth and the Magpies. The 26-year-old netted 18 Premier League goals last season and is one of the most sought-after strikers in England, plus he is entering the final year of his QPR contract. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.