Newcastle United to make bid for Charlie Austin

Newcastle could make a bid for QPR striker Charlie Austin in the January transfer window. The Toon Army's manager Steve McLaren is hopeful that a deal can be wrapped up in the first week of the new year.

Austin decided against a move to join a Premier League team last summer and is now believed to be ready to quit QPR in pursuit of top flight football. Newcastle have been odds on favourites for Austin's signing for many months and could still yet face competition from bitter rivals Sunderland for his signing. Austin has a year and a half on his R's contract remaining.