West Bromwich Albion have reportedly joined the race to sign Southampton striker and Aston Villa target Charlie Austin.
According to a report from The Sun, West Brom have joined the likes of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in the race to sign Southampton striker Charlie Austin this summer, with the Baggies apparently prepared to meet his asking price.
The Sun reports that Austin is set to be allowed to leave St Mary’s this summer as Ralph Hasenhuttl prepares for his first full season in charge on the south coast. And while he may be unwanted with the Saints, he is not going to struggle to find another club, it seems.
The report suggests that the Villans and Eagles are keen to offer Austin the chance to stay in the Premier League, but the top flight pair are battling a couple of Championship sides willing to meet Southampton’s £8 million asking price.
Slaven Bilic is keen to bring Austin to the Hawthorns, while The Sun adds that recently-relegated Fulham also want the former Queens Park Rangers star.
Promotion would be in the Bagg with Austin deal
It is going to be difficult for Slaven Bilic to convince Austin to join the Baggies with the likes of Villa and Palace interested. But it could be an outstanding piece of business for West Brom if they could win the race.
The 29-year-old’s record with Southampton is underwhelming, but he has scored 68 goals in 129 games in the second tier. So there is every reason to believe that he could be the man to fill Dwight Gayle’s shoes if the Baggies do manage to land his signature.
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