Newcastle fans react as Charlie Austin claims he came close to St. James’ Park move

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Charlie Austin has responded to a fan during a Twitter Q&A session that he came close to a move to Newcastle United under Steve McClaren in the summer of 2015 – and Toon fans have responded on Twitter.

Austin, 30, is currently playing for West Bromwich Albion in the Championship and has scored nine goals in 30 appearances for the Baggies – since joining Slaven Bilic’s side from Southampton for £4million (BBC) last summer.

However, back in 2015, his career could have gone very differently. Newcastle were interested in the striker after he had netted 18 Premier League goals in 35 outings for QPR. The London-based side had been relegated, and Newcastle wanted him.

The Guardian claimed almost five years ago, though, that a move fell through because Newcastle were unwilling to pay his £12million asking price. Austin’s response on Twitter suggested as much, as he claimed everything was done on his side.

That season, Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League as Rafa Benitez failed to correct McClaren’s poor spell in charge that season. Austin, meanwhile, joined Southampton on loan in January 2016, before a move was made permanent.

Newcastle supporters reacted on Twitter to Austin’s claim that he was ready to move to Tyneside, and many are frustrated that such a move did not go through.

https://twitter.com/nufclewizc/status/1251621692054568960

https://twitter.com/james_bush82/status/1251626959819411458

https://twitter.com/LondonToonfan/status/1252000647848824836

https://twitter.com/gavjhinch/status/1252132542049812480