QPR and England striker Charlie Austin is creeping closer to a move back to the Premier League with Newcastle United after they confirmed Steve McClaren as their new manager on Wednesday.
Austin has been linked with several Premier League clubs since QPR started battling relegation seriously at the back end of last season. But, rumours of him joining Newcastle have not gone away and now his move seems closer than ever.
It is thought that the arrival of McClaren, and Steve Black, appeals greatly to the striker. Austin worked with Black at QPR, and is keen to move to the city.
However, things are far from being confirmed with the price tag QPR have slapped on him. Rangers want £15m for the player, but it is thought that Newcastle would prefer a deal for under £10m, and with their record of preferring cheaper, foreign talent, his price may be a large stumbling block.
Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley has given the green light for investment following last summer’s failed attempts at landing Loic Remy and Alexandre Lacazette. But McClaren has explained that he would pick a player’s character over his nationality.
He said: ““I have worked abroad and with foreign players, and had foreigners at Boro. It doesn’t matter where they are from if they have character. That is what we have to recruit.”
Would he fit into the Newcastle mould? Perhaps, he has certainly proven his worth in the Premier League at a club struggling for goals. However Ashley has never been a big spender, and that might not change now.