Newcastle United have pulled out of the race to sign Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, according to The Chronicle.
The Magpies had hoped to secure a deal for the forward, for under QPR’s £15m asking price, but the hoops are adamant the 26-year old will stay at Loftus Road until their valuation is met.
Are QPR asking for too much?
It would seem the price tag was too high for head coach Steve McClaren’s liking, for the player who only has one year left on his contract.
Reports from London also suggest the club were concerned with Austin’s medical history, which was also a factor to why the club have ceased interest.
Now, it looks as though the former England manager will turn his attention elsewhere to find a cheaper alternative, after indicating he has attacking players on his shortlist a fortnight ago.
The R’s rejected a £12m bid from Leicester City last month and this may have put the Magpies off from making a bid, as it was thought they were looking to spend around the same amount.
Austin is an in demand player
Austin has been linked with a number of top-flight clubs, after an impressive Premier League campaign last season in which he scored 18 goals for the west Londoners.
It is thought West Ham are now leading in the race to sign the player as their manager Slaven Bilic looks to strengthen his side, with star Enner Valencia out with a knee and ankle injury for three months.
Austin, who scored in QPR’s 2-2 draw with Cardiff on Saturday, would favour a move to the Hammers, as it would be close to his home.
Other interested parties also include new boys Bournemouth, along with Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Everton.
Tottenham have also been rumoured to be on alert, but a move is now unlikely to materialise, as they would prefer Saido Berahino from West Brom, or Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez who is out of favour in the North West.