Newcastle set to resurrect Austin interest

Simon Wilkes
Charlie Austin QPR

Charlie Austin: Remains at QPR at least for the first half of the season

Newcastle reportedly refused to pay £15million for Charlie Austin due to fears over his fitness, but could resurrect their interest in January.

Austin remains at QPR after the transfer window, despite interest in the striker from numerous Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace and Leicester both failing with bids of £12million.

Newcastle were among the most interested suitors but, according to the Northern Echo, the Magpies shied away from QPR’s asking price due to concerns over the 26-year-old’s injury record.

Austin missed a chunk of the second half of the 2013-14 season with a shoulder problem when QPR earned promotion to the Premier League and it is understood concerns over that injury led to Newcastle’s refusal to meet QPR’s £15million demand.

However, the Northern Echo also reports that McClaren could go back for Austin in January. The striker is entering the final season of his contract at Loftus Road, and the winter transfer window represents the final opportunity for QPR to receive a fee for their prized asset.

West Ham also held fears over Austin’s long-term fitness, with co-owner David Sullivan revealing concerns over the forward’s knee. Austin later denied he had such a problem, calling Sullivan’s comments an “outrageous slur”.