Report: West Brom to splash £4m on Southampton striker Charlie Austin

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Sky Sports have claimed on their live transfer blog (Thursday, 14:06) that West Bromwich Albion have splashed £4million to sign Southampton striker Charlie Austin.

Austin, 30, was linked with a move to West Brom earlier on deadline day and it now appears that the former QPR and Burnley striker has agreed a move to the Midlands. He had entered the final 12 months of his Saints deal.

More details are emerging over the Baggies’ move for Austin. It is believed the fee to land Austin is a bargain £4million for the powerful striker. Austin has signed a two-year deal with the option of another year.

West Brom need strikers. The club have seen Dwight Gayle return to Newcastle after his loan move last season, where he found the back of the net 24 times – proving a crucial part in the Baggies push for promotion.

Meanwhile, Salomon Rondon has completed a permanent move to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang where he reunites with Rafa Benitez. Jay Rodriguez returned to Burnley, while only Kennet Zohore has joined.

Austin, then, gives Slaven Bilic more fire power up front. The striker has incredible goalscoring form in England’s second tier, scoring 66 goals in 129 Championship appearances.