Newcastle consider Austin and Bamford as strike options

Mark Holmes
Charlie Austin: QPR striker still on Newcastle's radar

Charlie Austin: QPR striker still on Newcastle's radar

Steve McClaren says Newcastle United will continue to work “tirelessly” to strengthen their attack with Papiss Cisse out for up to three months.

McClaren revealed in the build-up to Newcastle’s game at Arsenal on Saturday that Newcastle were looking to resolve their goalscoring problem in the January transfer window.

Speaking after the 1-0 defeat, in which the Magpies dominated for large periods but failed to make it count, McClaren reiterated his desire to strengthen up front with the groin injury Cisse suffered against Aston Villa before Christmas seemingly a serious one.

“We’ve been working behind the scenes and will continue tirelessly,” McClaren said. “If we’d had [Olivier] Giroud we would’ve comfortably won the game. That’s the difference.

“Unfortunately at the moment [Emmanuel] Rivière is injured, just coming back.

“Cisse, who is a goalscorer, is injured for the next two or three months. We’ll have to wait for a second opinion next week.

“We’ve got other goalscorers who need to step up to the plate.”

According to the Daily Telegraph, QPR striker Charlie Austin remains high on McClaren’s wish list, along with Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, while Chelsea’s Patrick Bamford is another option after ending his loan spell at Crystal Palace.

Newcastle have also had Bordeaux captain Henri Saivet watched this season.