West Brom have been dealt yet another blow in the transfer market, with Southampton striker Charlie Austin reportedly staying put at St Mary's.

Austin has been a target for a number of clubs this summer as his Saints deal enters its final year, but according to the Mirror's live transfer blog, the experienced striker has snubbed a move to the Hawthorns and will stay and fight for his place at Southampton.

The 30-year-old has struggled for his best form in recent seasons thanks to a host of injury problems and a Southampton team which in general, has struggled to get going.

However, new manager Ralph Hassenhuttl seems to have got things going somewhat for the Saints, and Austin looks like he is going to chance his arm and try and fight for his place in the first XI for the Premier League club.

Austin, who has enjoyed prolific spells with both QPR and Burnley in the past, will be looking to prove Hasenhuttl wrong over the summer and in the opening months of the new campaign after being left firmly out of the picture towards the back end of last season.

The experienced striker managed only three goals last term but has an impressive strike rate in general for the Saints, knocking in 20 goals in 40 appearances overall.

The Verdict

This is a blow for Albion but they can at least move on and pursue other targets now and not waste their time.

Austin was always bound to be someone on the radar of plenty of clubs this summer, but you almost have to admire the fact he is willing to stay and fight for his place in the Premier League.

When fit, he almost guarantees goals, and if Hassenhuttl can get him firing, then Southampton will have a very solid Premier League striker on their hands.