The Southampton hitman is linked with Queens Park Rangers and Everton.
Paul Mariner has told ESPN that he would like to see Southampton striker re-join Queens Park Rangers if the alternative was signing for Everton.
According to The Mirror, Everton boss Ronald Koeman – who signed him for Southampton in January – wants to bring the 27-year-old to Goodison Park.
The same report claims that QPR – who pocketed £4 million from his departure earlier in the year – are willing to have him back on loan as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink looks to lead the London club back into the Premier League this season.
As it stands, Everton have linked-away Romelu Lukaku in their ranks and he is likely to be the Toffees’ go-to-guy with regards to goals if he stays on Merseyside this month.
Consequently, Austin – who netted 18 Premier League goals for QPR in the 2014-15 campaign, which is very decent for a relegated side – would most likely have to settle for a spot on the bench.
And Mariner would prefer to see him back in West London if it meant he was a benchwarmer under Koeman.
“I say this is a no. I don’t see Charlie going to Everton. I think Charlie needs to play football. If he goes to QPR I think that’s a better move,” he told ESPN.
Southampton boss Claude Puel preferred Shane Long up front for the Saints 1-1 draw with Watford on Saturday.
Re-signing Austin would be fantastic for QPR. He is tried and tested in the Championship, having netted 53 times in his last 80 appearances in England’s second tier.
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