Aston Villa are lining up a move for Southampton striker Charlie Austin, according to the Football Insider.
Austin is reportedly one of eight players who are free to leave the Saints this summer as manager Ralph Hassenhutl looks to shape up his squad ahead of the new season.
Dean Smith is the market for attacking reinforcements following Tammy Abraham’s return to parent club Chelsea.
Whoever comes into the club will have big boots to fill; England under-21 international Abraham fired in 25 goals during the club’s promotion campaign last term and is unlikely to return due to the Blue’s impending transfer ban.
Villa have already moved quickly to secure the signature of a new striker. Brazilian forward Wesley has made the move to Villa Park from Belgian side Club Brugge for around £20m.
Austin is renowned for his clinical edge in front of goal but found himself on the periphery of the Southampton first team last season. He started just 11 games, scoring only twice.
The 29-year old is behind the likes of Danny Ings, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond in the pecking order at St Mary’s and was also close to departing the club in January.
The Englishman has scored goals where ever he has been and began his career at Swindon Town. Austin scored an impressive 37 goals in 63 appearances which earned him a move to Burnley.
He made the transition up the divisions seamlessly and during his time at Turf Moor he scored 44 goals in 90 matches.
Perhaps the most fruitful spell of his career came at his next club QPR. After scoring 20 goals to help secure promotion to the top flight, he then scored 18 goals in his first season in the Premier League.
Austin has proven throughout his career that he can score goals and a move to Villa Park could be beneficial to all parties, as he looks to regain that goal scoring touch.
