Premier League sides West Ham and Newcastle United are set to do battle over the signature of Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, according to the Brentwood Gazette.

Austin has performed well so far in this Championship season
Austin has performed well so far in this Championship season

After plenty of transfer speculation over the summer, Austin made the decision to decline an offer of Premier League football and remain in the Championship to help QPR to promotion, but with his contract expiring at the end of the summer, questions over the prolific striker's future are beginning to resurface again ahead of the transfer window in January.

Newcastle United find themselves in a relegation battle at present, and having struggled to score goals so far this season, could benefit from a proven Premier League goalscorer such as Austin now more than ever, after being linked with the 26-year-old in the summer as well.

The current Championship top scorer is also reportedly wanted by West Ham, who have made a promising start to the season, but either side might have to match the £15 million valuation that put many clubs off in the summer.

QPR, on the other-hand, might be willing to risk letting Austin leave for free at the end of the season if he can continue his current goalscoring form and fire them to promotion - reaching the Premier League would ultimately be worth more than losing a potential £15 million transfer fee.

While Austin's long-term future remains to be seen, in the short-term, QPR fans will be hoping Austin can add to his tally of seven goals when the London side travel to Birmingham after the international break.

QPR fans...... What do you make of this news? Do you feel Austin is going to stay with the club? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!