With speculation the summer transfer rumour mill when it came to West Bromwich Albion’s reported interest in Southampton striker Charlie Austin, it all got a little bit real over the weekend as there were claims that they had lodged a firm £8million bid for the 30-year-old and Saints had accepted it.
The Sunday Mirror were one of many to report the claims, but despite both clubs coming to an agreement on doing a deal, Austin himself has apparently rejected the chance to move to The Hawthorns.
He would’ve undoubtedly had to have taken a pay cut as finances are obviously tighter in the Championship than they are in the Premier League, but for a player looking to rediscover their goalscoring touch, he would’ve been guaranteed games and he should’ve jumped at the opportunity to work under a manager like Slaven Bilic.
The original report from The Sun making the £8million claim also namechecked Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Fulham as having an interest, and for those who like a flutter there will be plenty of Betting Tips available on where he could potentially end up now. Given it appears he’s happy to run his contract down, there’s probably good odds on him going nowhere in fact.
Southampton fans definitely won’t want that outcome though.