Newcastle United have brought one of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas to a close by "ending their interest" in Charlie Austin, according to The Chronicle. The publication claims that Queens Park Rangers' valuation of Austin at £15 million was simply deemed as too steep by the Magpies' board, although it is noted that if the west London club lower their asking price then Newcastle could swoop once more. However, it is made clear that head coach Steve McClaren and his backroom-staff member Steve Black - both of who worked with Austin at Loftus Road - wanted to recruit the forward, who netted 18 Barclays Premier League goals last season. 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. He has played twice already for QPR in the Championship this season, including scoring at the weekend. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
