Queens Park Rangers boss Chris Ramsey has claimed that West Ham target Charlie Austin could still stay at Loftus Road this summer.
Talking to Sky Sports, Ramsey believes that his star striker may not leave the club just yet:
“There have been offers,” Ramsey said. “A player of Charlie’s ability, there will always be speculation.
“At the moment, there has been nothing concrete. We’ve had offers that we’ve rejected, and we’ve had offers that Charlie himself has not been happy to take on.
“At the moment, he’s a QPR player and he’s working hard in training. I’m having the idea that he will be here into the season. If he is here during the season then he is going to be someone that we want to use.”
Ramsey’s comments suggest that he is more hopeful than optimistic about Austin staying at the club and his comments about offers coming in imply that QPR are still holding firm on their £15 million valuation of the player.
West Ham have yet to table an offer for the forward as they weigh up the possibility of including a player-plus-cash deal to prise Austin away from his current club. The Hammers are still looking to sign a striker as the current senior crop of forwards at the club (Sakho, Valencia, Carroll, Maiga and Zarate) need strengthening. Someone like Austin would be a good fit at West Ham due to his goal-scoring talents and his ability to bring other players into the game.
Should West Ham make a firm offer? Will QPR budge on their £15 million valuation?
I think Austin is a good striker. £15m cash – no. Cash + Nolan , Maiga maybe Jarvis. Maybe even loan them a youngster or two (Cullen, Burke, oxford etc) for a season – I’d go for that.
idealy I’d like Hernandez, but not sure if he’s available, so maybe test the water with a bid for Austin as i think we should be getting someone in soon.
No chance, West Ham have no ambition, they wont pay the money, forget it, look forward to a year of struggling in the prem, This is why West Ham can never take on the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, Everything is a bring and buy sale to them, you will never be up there because you cant compete on the transfer market
And you are frank ?
I love Charlie Austin ,I think he’s a player that has really got his head screwed on ,obviously knows where the goal is ,is loyal and English,he would be a fantastic signing for West Ham,do one frank!