Report: Newcastle offered opportunity to sign Charlie Austin

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Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Southampton centre-forward Charlie Austin this summer.

According to the Chronicle, the 30-year-old’s future appears to lie away from St Mary’s after he was dumped from the first-team squad after a fallout with manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

It is understood that the Englishman would be available to the Magpies for a “knockdown rate”, as he’s entering the final year of his contract with the Saints.

The report explains that Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has the green light to improve his squad and that Austin doesn’t fit the club’s previous transfer blueprint.

Austin only managed three goals in 27 appearances for Southampton last season, as he struggles for regular minutes in the team.

But he’s shown in the past he can be a clinical goalscorer and has netted 34 times in 106 Premier League matches during his career.

TBR’s View:

Austin may have already had the peak of his career, but he will score goals in the penalty area and could be a smart addition for Newcastle.

The team is seriously lacking in goals as it stands, following the departures of Ayoze Perez to Leicester City and of loanee Salomon Rondon.

Joelinton has arrived as the new marquee striker to try help score goals, but he’s never played in England before and is still aged just 22.

Austin could be brilliant competition for him at St James’ Park and provide an extra goal threat.