OPINION
Newcastle United could solve their striking woes with a late swoop for unwanted Southampton hitman Charlie Austin.
The Magpies desperately need a forward to help top scorer Salomon Rondon fire them to safety, and the Saints man has been told he is surplus to requirements at St. Mary’s, according to the Daily Mail.
If that is true then the Toon Army would be well-advised to try and bring the 29-year-old to Tyneside.
Austin has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot on the south coast this season, but has proven before that he has more than enough quality to fire in the goals for a team under the threat of relegation.
The forward hit 18 goals in 35 Premier League matches for a QPR side that never really looked like escaping the drop in 2014/15, and he still boasts the qualities needed to be a real asset for Rafa Benitez’s side.
A natural finisher who can hold up play and bring those around him into the team, he would provide a robust partner for Rondon, or a decent alternative if the manager persevered with just the one up top.
It’s a surprise that Southampton have decided to let him go, and competition for his signature will be tough, but Newcastle must move to snap up a man who could bring a lot of goals to St. James’ Park.