Southampton sign Charlie Austin

Southampton have confirmed the signing of Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin on a four-and-a-half year contract.

The 26-year-old had been tipped to make away from the R's following the club's dismal spell in the Championship.

The likes of West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa had been linked with Austin's signature, but it is the Saints who have won the chase for the player's services.

Saints are believed to have paid a fee of around £4m to land the former Burnley star.

Austin netted 48 goals in all competitions for Queens Park Rangers.