Sources: Newcastle plot bid to sign newly available PL striker with excellent scoring record

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

17 Jul 2019, 10:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Wayne Veysey

Newcastle United are plotting a bid to sign newly available Southampton striker Charlie Austin, Football Insider understands.

The Magpies are in the market for two centre-forwards in the final three weeks of the transfer window after selling Joselu to Alaves and the exit of Salomon Rondon following his 2018-19 loan.

A Newcastle source has told Football Insider the club have turned their attention to Austin after he was transfer listed by Southampton.

As revealed by Football Insider last month, the Saints are willing to cash in on the forward this summer as Ralph Hasenhuttl looks to shake up his squad with a firesale of senior players.

The striker, who turned 30 earlier this month, has a year remaining on his contract with the south coast club and is valued at around the £8million mark.

Aston Villa have also weighed up a move for Austin, who has scored prolifically at Premier League, Championship and League One level during his career.

He has netted 34 times in 106 Premier League matches, 66 times in 129 Championship games and 31 times in 54 League One encounters.

At Southampton, Austin has scored 20 goals in 81 matches since arriving from Queens Park Rangers in 2016.

In other Newcastle United news, it can be REVEALED that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has given the green light for the club to sign a senior Magpies star.

Newcastle United