The signing of Joelinton this summer is a huge statement by Newcastle United but Steve Bruce needs to add few more names to his side to help him compete in the Premier League next season.
Reports from Chronicle Live now claim that the Magpies have been offered a chance to sign Southampton striker Charlie Austin this summer.
The former QPR striker is now on sale after a bust-up with Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. He has just a year left on his current deal and could be available on the cheap so is he a signing Steve Bruce should make?
Austin And His Career
Having first burst onto the scene with an 18-goal Premier League campaign with QPR in 2014/15, Austin moved back to the top flight with Southampton after the Hoops were relegated that season.
However, he failed to replicate that form for the Saints, scoring just 16 goals in 66 league appearances in the last four seasons with the club.
Last season, he made just 11 starts, picking up just two goals and two assists and did not do enough to extend his stay at St Mary’s.
Known for his finishing, the 30-year old can be described as a target man, who thrives off crosses and through balls. He is strong enough to bully defenders and his ability to test the keeper from long range makes him a dangerous player.
Austin is a live wire on the field but he offers very little in terms of build-up play and is a target-man, and is usually effective playing in a strike-partnership.
He has over 300 appearances in the three top tiers of English football and is one of the most experienced strikers in the Premier League at the moment.
Good Fit For Newcastle United?
Austin will be an attractive acquisition for Steve Bruce, who loves a target-man in his side. Austin may not be able to lead the attack for the Saints alone, but he will certainly add another dimension to their attack, which will be crucial in this long campaign.
Yoshinori Muto and Dwight Gayle are the only strikers at the club right now. Joelinton is expected to play as a support striker, which will give Austin a chance to flourish.
The Reading academy product can walk into the first team and could be a real asset for the Magpies, especially against the stronger sides in the competition.
Austin can help hold the ball high up the field helping the likes of Matt Ritchie, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron to make an impact in the final third.
The experience that Austin brings with himself, along with his price tag, certainly make him a smart choice for Newcastle United this summer.
