Liverpool are reportedly considering a late swoop to hijack Newcastle United’s transfer pursuit of QPR hero Charlie Austin.
The Geordies want to add two new strikers to their ranks and new manager Steve McClaren has made signing Austin a top priority.
Austin is said to be keen on a move to Tyneside but the fee for the England striker was proving to be a sticking point last week.
Rangers are holding out for £15million but McClaren’s Newcastle were hoping to pay nearer to £10million for the former bricklayer’s services.
McClaren worked briefly with Austin during his spell at Loftus Road and is keen for a reunion with the 25-year-old forward.
However, it is the imminent arrival of Steve Black on the new-look Newcastle coaching staff, another former Loftus Road pal of Austin’s, which has seen the deal gather pace.
But the stumbling block with the fee has not gone unnoticed on Anfield, with The Sun claiming Brendan Rodgers is considering turning to QPR's Austin after adding Danny Ings to his squad last week.
Southampton are also looking at the 18-goal frontman but would need to wait until Morgan Schneiderlin has been sold before following up their interest this summer.
West Ham have also been mooted as possible takers for the ex-Poole Town ace, with Chelsea’s French forward Loic Remy also on the radar at Upton Park.
Charlie Austin's Premier League goals in pictures:
