Report: Tottenham Hotspur want Charlie Austin

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly poised to hijack Newcastle United's interest in Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Magpies after netting 18 Premier League goals last term as Rangers were relegated back to the Championship.

QPR manager Chris Ramsey recently claimed that he was hopeful of including Austin in his squad for Saturday's curtain-raiser away to Charlton Athletic.

However, Newcastle boss Steve McClaren claimed on Tuesday that he had not submitted a bid and, according to The Mirror, Spurs will capitalise on their indecision.

The report goes on to claim that Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has contacted the West Londoners to register his interest.

Pochettino is thought to be keen on lining up a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been heavily linked with a switch to Aston Villa.