Report: Newcastle’s Steve McClaren lines up signing of West Brom and QPR stars

According to the Mirror’s Simon Bird, newly-appointed Newcastle manager Steve McClaren is set to make Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin his first summer signing within the next week. Meanwhile,West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino is also on the St. James’ Park outfit’s radar.

Reports suggest that the Magpies have a £40million-plus transfer kitty and want to revamp every department of the team, with finding a solution to a lack of goals and striking talent the main priority. Signing the English duo, who managed 32 goals between them this season (Austin with 18, Berahino with 14), would certainly be a sign of intent ahead of McClaren’s maiden campaign.

£15 million-rated Austin, is expected to make a quick return to the English top flight, after experiencing relegation this season with QPR, while Berahino’s future at West Brom is allegedly on hold until the club’s ownership problem has been resolved. He is expected to a command a fee of around £20 million – an asking-price Newcastle could be willing to match.

Bird’s report also states that the Toon have shown interest in former Manchester City defender Micah Richard’s, who now available on a free transfer.