‘Dressed for the occasion’ – Austin teases fans as he nears West Brom exit door
Unwanted West Brom striker Charlie Austin has offered the strongest hint yet that his move to QPR is near to completion in an Instagram post shared on Saturday.
Austin has been a peripheral figure for the Baggies this season as they struggle to escape the Premier League relegation places.
The 31-year-old has yet to start a league game this season but has appeared as a second half substitute in five of their last six games.
However, in a post on his personal Instagram account Austin is pictured smiling for the camera with the caption “Dressed for the occasion…”
Earlier on Saturday, the Daily Mail reported that Austin was set to watch QPR’s FA Cup fixture with Fulham at Loftus Road so it looks like a move is nearing its completion.
On Friday the Express and Star’s Joseph Masi reported that Austin and QPR were in talks over a deal to bring the striker on loan until the end of the campaign.
Short on firepower
While Austin will not be missed at the Hawthorns it does leave the Baggies extremely short on recognised strikers at the club.
With Karlan Grant recently ruled out for an extended period the only other available option seems to be Callum Robinson, who has not scored since a double in the dramatic 3-3 draw with Chelsea on September 26.
Hal Robson-Kanu can operate through the middle but he has not played since November 28 after also suffering with an injury.
Albion fans will hope that this indicates an imminent move for a striker in the January transfer window with the club shorn of attacking talents.
West Brom have only scored 11 Premier League goals this season, the third lowest total in the division, and they will need to find someone who can offer an instant impact to the side.
Allardyce will be hoping to weave some of his transfer magic as he bids to rejuvenate the ailing Baggies.
In other West Brom news, transfer update as forgotten man completes LA Galaxy medical.
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