News has emerged that Charlie Austin is in talks with West Bromwich Albion over a permanent move to the Hawthorns, according to the Express and Star, putting an end to rumours linking him with Newcastle.
The move is also likely to end any hopes that Dwight Gayle may have harboured for a return to the Baggies after his successful loan there last term.
Austin has been linked with Newcastle on a number of occasions, and this summer it seemed as close to coming off as it ever had.
We were in the market for a second striker to support Joelinton, and after Austin’s bust-up with Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, a move to Newcastle seemed possible.
Newcastle are taking a risk if they do not sign a second striker
But a deal for a second striker has not materialised – something that is worrying a lot of fans, should Joelinton get injured – and it is an undoubted risk to not add one on deadline day.
Had Gayle hoped for a move back to the Midlands, he will be disappointed with the latest developments, but Steve Bruce has been consistent in his comments of wanting to keep him on Tyneside this season.
Again, it is a gamble, given Gayle’s lack of scoring prowess in the top division, even though he excelled at Championship level.
Fans will be desperate that their Brazilian number nine does not get hurt early in the season, as there looks to be a distinct lack of strike options behind him.
Although there is talk of Andy Carroll coming back…
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