Queens Park Rangers forward Charlie Austin is set to leave his current side on the expiration of his contract in the summer, according to a report from West London Sport.

Although it had previously looked as though he had signed a two-year deal last summer following his permanent arrival from West Bromwich Albion, the second year was dependent on the 32-year-old recording a set number of appearances.

This target hasn't been hit according to West London Sport and with this, his future in the English capital is in grave danger less than 12 months after first sealing a longer-term move to his current club.

 

 

Recording seven goals in 38 competitive appearances this term, he has been in competition with the likes of Andre Gray and Lyndon Dykes for a starting spot at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, with a considerable number of these displays coming from the bench.

However, injury troubles in west London this season has meant the forward has been able to maximise his game time this season, a big boost for the 32-year-old who will be keen to remain in the second tier for for the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately for Austin, it's expected that he will be released on the expiration of his current deal at the club despite his status as a first-team regular under Mark Warburton.

The Verdict:

Although the R's fortunes can't be blamed on one player or department, it's clear they should have recruited another forward during the January window and the fact they didn't exposed their lack of attacking firepower.

Scoring five goals and registering one assist in 34 league games this season, Austin may not be a player Warburton's successor will want to keep if he wants the west London outfit to push for promotion next season because that sort of record won't cut the mustard.

Despite this, the 32-year-old could still be good signing for another second-tier side and this is why the striker should be full of hope because he's shown he can play plenty of minutes.

However, he may need to set his sights to a club in the lower half of the division and in fairness, that could be a beneficial move for him considering he's likely to be a much more valuable asset to a club competing slightly lower down.

He certainly isn't ready to take a step down, that's for sure. And with the experience he has under his belt, you wouldn't bet against him being snapped up quite early on this summer by another club.