All nine of Charlie Austin’s Premier League appearances for Southampton this season have come from the bench – but he would be Newcastle’s go-to no 9.
With Newcastle United’s positive run of form in September and October giving way to an alarming halt, what better way to lift the gloom than with a bit of retail therapy.
Manager Rafael Benitez is hoping to spend again in January and, provided owner Mike Ashley finds a buyer and saunters away from St James’ before the New Year, the Spaniard could be provided with a transfer warchest to enhance a limited squad.
And Newcastle fans would like nothing more than to see a shiny new centre-forward bang in the goals in front of the Gallowgate. Although Dwight Gayle finally opened his Premier League account for the Magpies in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester United, doubts persist about whether he, Joselu or Aleksandar Mitrovic can lead the line in the top flight.
But with The Mail reporting that Southampton could cash in on Charlie Austin in January, Newcastle should not let a proven Premier League poacher pass them by.
Austin has struggled for opportunities since Mauricio Pellegrino took over from Claude Puel in the summer and missed the second half of last season through injury too. When he does play regularly, however, the goals are never usually far behind.
Austin scored six in 11 starts for the Saints overall in 2016/17 but it was his remarkable spell at QPR that should ensure there is no shortage of interest in January. Rangers were in and out of the top flight in just one year but the 28-year-old still found the time to score 18 goals in 35 games.
A homegrown striker who battles for every ball, leads the line with real energy and scores his fair share of goals, too, Austin would be a hugely popular player among Newcastle fans.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
