A kid from South England could be heading to the Northeast.
Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin is ready to join Newcastle United, according to the Chronicle. The report says the only obstacle remaining between the 25-year-old QPR man and his move is the price.
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That’s been a problem for Newcastle in the past, but owner Mike Ashley claims to be a changed man, and reports claim new manager Steve McClaren will be handed a $60 million transfer war chest to bring the Magpies out of a relegation fight and back into European contention.
QPR’s price tag reads $24 million, and the Chronicle says Newcastle’s thinking closer to $16. That’s not too big of a gap to bridge, is it? Especially for a fan base which has watched stars like Andy Carroll, Yohan Cabaye, Mathieu Debuchy and Demba Ba pawned in recent seasons.
Although a fee is yet to be agreed between the two clubs sources close to Austin say United is his preferred choice, and the appointment of Steve McClaren on a three-year deal and imminent arrival of Steve Black on the coaching staff will help United.
Black worked with Austin at Loftus Road and McClaren has recommended the 25-year-oldto Lee Charnley and Graham Carr.
What remains is for Charnley, who was joined on the board by Carr, Bob Moncur and McClaren in a boardroom reshuffle which saw Mike Ashley step down, to broker a deal.
Austin scored 18 Premier League goals last season to prove his prolific run through the Championship (20, 28, 17 in three seasons between QPR and Burnley) and he’d be a major pull for the Magpies. They badly need a striker to join Papiss Cisse and Ayoze Perez. Landing Austin would be a real statement of intent.
