West Ham United have reportedly entered the race for Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin according to London's Evening Standard. New Hammers boss Slaven Bili is looking to capitalise on the appeal of London to steal the recent England call-up away from United's grasp. Newcastle had identified the 25-year-old as their primary transfer target this summer after the appointment of Steve McClaren, who worked with Austin at Loftus Road before taking over at Derby County. However, there has been no official bid from The Magpies who are reportedly battling other Premier League teams including the likes of Southampton, Liverpool and Chelsea for the £15 million-rated man. Newcastle were hoping to negotiate a figure of £10 million with the west London club, however it is likely QPR will attempt to hold out for another £5 million which one of the other suitors will undoubtedly be willing to pay. Speaking last week, the former Burnley man refused to be drawn on where his future lay, neither confirming nor denying he would be at Loftus Road come August. When asked about whether he would remain at QPR next season, Austin simply responded:
What will be, will be.
Austin was the fourth-top scorer in the Premier League in 2014-15 having bagged an impressive 18 goals despite playing for a side who finished bottom of the table and he has just a year left on his current deal.
