Aston Villa want Charlie Austin if they are promoted from the Championship to the Premier League – but the Southampton striker is perfect for Wolves.
Southampton won’t just lose their Premier League status if they are relegated this season – they stand to bid farewell to their top scorer too.
The Sun claims that Bournemouth and Leicester City would happily hand Charlie Austin a new home should the 18th placed Saints find themselves heading into the Championship. And Aston Villa would be interested too – though could only finance a deal if they navigate the play-offs and seal a return to the promised land.
Now, it almost goes without saying that Austin would be an excellent addition for Aston Villa, but if they are plotting an ambitious move for the former QPR striker, surely Midland rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers should be stroking their chins in consideration.
The Express and Star claimed back in January that Wolves are looking for players who will ease the transition into the Premier League with promotion looking a formality. And Austin, though going under the radar at times, is a striker who has proven himself at the top of the English game.
It’s only three years since he plundered 18 league goals for a relegated QPR and despite suffering a number of injuries since joining Southampton for £4 million in January 2016 (BBC), has still managed 12 top flight strikes in 17 starts including six in six this season.
Centre-forward is one position in Wolves’ squad that is in clear need of reinforcement with loanee Benik Afobe failing to make the grade in the Premier League at Bournemouth and Leo Bonatini stuck in a desperate barren run.
Austin may not be a Portuguese international or a Champions League captain but the would be an astute bargain addition.
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