The Queens Park Rangers forward is reportedly demanding high wages.
Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been put off by Charlie Austin’s wage demands, according to the Sunday People.
Newcastle, Villa and Leicester City are named by the report as three of several Premier League clubs pursuing QPR’s leading striker.
The People don’t make clear whether the Magpies are still in for Austin despite the signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic – they appear to hint that they are. All of those interested in the 26-year-old are said to be stalling on a deal for the R’s forward, however, due to his £85,000-per-week wage demands.
A tricky situation
Austin remains a viable option for both Newcastle and Aston Villa, the latter especially following the departure of Christian Benteke.
Both, however, appear to have reached deals for other strikers. The Magpies have signed Mitrovic, while Villa – despite some ups and downs – have been linked with a move for Jordan Ayew by the Birmingham Mail among others.
The QPR man would still arguably offer either side plenty of added quality up front but his reported wage demands, along with the sizeable transfer fee the R’s will also likely demand, create a tricky situation with Austin. He would be expensive enough as either one of Newcastle or Aston Villa’s main forward signings – let alone as an extra striker added to existing recruits.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
