Newcastle Target Will "Probably Leave" His Current Club This Summer, Admits Coach

Queens Park Rangers manager Chris Ramsey has admitted that Newcastle United target Charlie Austin will "probably go" this summer. Steve McClaren has denied that the Magpies have been in €œcontact€ with QPR over the striker, despite various reports having linked the Magpies with a move. Last week The Daily Mail suggested that Haris Vuckic had been offered as a makeweight to sign Austin, with the Magpies unwilling to meet QPR€™s £15 million asking price.

When asked about whether or not Austin and his other QPR players would still be at Loftus Road come the end of the transfer window on Monday, Ramsey said (The Independent):

"We know it's a financial situation where the players, given the right offer, will probably go. "Selfishly, I hope nobody comes in for them. Whoever's in the building and can help needs to be on hand. "What is happening is that the players are training very hard to get fit for the beginning of the season and if they're fit they'll feature."

Yet McClaren€™s assertions after Newcastle€™s 1-0 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach suggest the Magpies head coach is not looking to acquire the 18-goal hitman from QPR after all though. McClaren told The Shields Gazette:

"There€™s been a lot of talk about that throughout the weeks but we€™ve not been in contact with QPR and they€™ve not with us so no. "That€™s just a name that circulates and has been going around."

Leicester City are known to have had a £12 million offer turned down earlier in the summer - with the likes of Villa, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth and the Magpies also interested in the forward. 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.