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Everton fans react on Twitter to Charlie Austin speculation
By Harvey Byrne
Everton have reportedly lined up a move for Charlie Austin – and Toffees fans are uneasy about the prospect of signing the Southampton striker.
The Evening Standard claim that Ronald Koeman is keen to sign Austin and one other striker, which could boost Chelsea’s chances of signing star Romelu Lukaku.
Koeman brought Austin to St Mary’s Stadiun in a £4million deal from QPR in January.
It is believed that if the Dutch manager does sign Austin plus another forward then he may be more willing to allow Lukaku to rejoin Chelsea.
However, fans of the Goodison Park based club are concerned about the prospect of losing Lukaku and Austin arriving as a replacement.
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Here are a selection of the supporters’ messages on Twitter:
I like Charlie Austin but I don't know if he's the level we would want, especially if it's to replace Lukaku.
— Sean Lunt (@Sean_Lunt) August 15, 2016
Charlie Austin being linked with Everton. Decent player but with his injury record would be a risk unless very cheap price
— IanWJC (@Ghedin1878) August 15, 2016
Don't like the idea of Charlie Austin in… Replacement for Lukaku. Funniest thing ever
— Chris Gill (@Chrisgill95) August 15, 2016
Bill signs Samuel Eto'o and he is a fraud. Moshiri wants Charlie Austin and he's the saviour?
— David Rhino Unsworth (@RhinoUnsworth) August 15, 2016
Charlie Austin – injury prone, over-weight & crap – no thanks
— Grant smith (@Grantos888) August 15, 2016
These rumours about Charlie Austin. If we sign another top striker I'd be more than happy getting Austin too as a back up #BetterThanKone
— Ste Hardy (@Ste_HardyEFC) August 15, 2016
@Everton linked with Charlie Austin. Hardly marquee, more like a B&M gazebo.
— wilb118 (@wilb118) August 15, 2016
Austin has made just eight appearances for the Saints during his seven-month stay at the club, with just two starts after scoring on his debut from the bench against Manchester United.
He was restricted to an 83rd minute substitute appearance for the Hampshire club in their opener against Watford, with new signing Nathan Redmond picked ahead of him.
Nevertheless, Austin is a proven goalscorer and was wanted by a number of Premier League clubs after scoring 45 goals in 75 starts at former club QPR.
His record in the English top flight is equally impressive, with 19 goals from 43 appearances in the competition.
In other Everton transfer news, target Joe Hart fears his time at Manchester City is coming to an end.