Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign rumoured target Charlie Austin, while Steve Bruce is keen to add Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose to his Tyneside ranks, according to the Chronicle.
Southampton are looking to part ways with £70,000-a-week Austin following a troublesome summer involving the striker, after he allegedly unleashed a tirade of abuse at manager Ralph Hasenhuttl when he was omitted from the Saints’ pre-season tour of Austria and Ireland.
Hasenhuttl had already transfer-listed Austin before his decision to leave the former QPR star at home when the first-team left the country, and are believed to be chasing around £8million for his signature.
But the 30-year-old is not seen as a key target for Bruce or Newcastle, as the club have a lengthy list of candidates to consider – Including Andy Carroll – as our new head coach targets a second new striker ahead of his inaugural season at the St James’ Park helm following Joelinton’s arrival.
Austin would also go against the club’s blueprint for targets, and raise further question marks over why Mike Ashley opposed retaining 2018/19 Player of the Year Salomon Rondon following his term on loan.
Adding another striker to his ranks is not the only position Bruce has his eyes on improving, though, as the 58-year-old would reportedly like to see United sign a new a winger, a full-back and a central midfielder before the August 8 transfer deadline.
The full-back upgrade appears to be Tottenham’s Rose, but the Magpies would face serious competition for the England left-back’s signature.
According to The Sun, Paris Saint-Germain have moved into pole position to sign the 29-year-old, but could face competition from Juventus where Maurizio Sarri is willing to give the £20million-valued defender a route out of North London.
Sky Sports, meanwhile, have suggested FC Schalke 04 have renewed their interest in the £60,000-a-week international, having considered a move last year following Rose’s involvement in England’s World Cup squad.