Report: Aston Villa target Charlie Austin could cost £8million

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Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Southampton centre-forward Charlie Austin this summer.

According to the Daily Echo, the Saints are prepared to offload the 29-year-old in the transfer window and there is interest from two newly-promoted clubs.

Both Sheffield United and Villa were promoted form the Championship last season, with both reportedly keen on the striker.

It is understood that both have been told by Southampton that fair offers will be considered and they’d like to try recoup around £8million, as they hope a bidding war commences.

Austin played just 27 games across all competitions last season for Southampton and managed three goals, as he fell down the pecking order under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

But the English attacker has 34 goals in 106 Premier League appearances and has shown in the past he can be clinical in front of goal.

TBR’s View:

With Tammy Abraham’s loan ending at Villa this summer, it’s important for manager Dean Smith to get in the right replacement at striker.

Wesley from Club Brugge has already been signed and he managed 17 goals last season across all competitions for the Belgian club.

Meanwhile, Austin would be a more experienced option and perhaps a sensible one to bring in as competition.

He will score goals if he gets the right opportunities, but the only issue is £8million for a 30-year-old about to enter the final year of his contract at Southampton.