Report: QPR rejects Leicester's opening offer of £12 million for Charlie Austin
Queens Park Rangers will reportedly not be parting ways with Charlie Austin for anything less than £15 million.
According to the Guardian, the club rejected an opening offer of £12 million from manager-less Leicester City for the prolific forward, as the bid falls £3 million short of the immediate return QPR is seeking.
Austin, who was laying bricks for a living when he was a part-time footballer at Poole Town only six years ago, arrived at Loftus Road in the summer of 2013 from Burnley, and last season saw him notch an astounding 18 goals and five assists through 35 Premier League appearances. His form was rewarded with a call up to England's national team.
Charlie Austin was the second highest English scorer in the Premier League last season #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/yUIcpBSPL6
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) July 3, 2015
However, despite Austin's prolific scoring record, QPR was unable to avoid relegation, and West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United, and Southampton may apparently also look to acquire the 25-year-old.
One year remains on Austin's contract and there is allegedly no indication that he's willing to stay at QPR once it expires.
37 – Since August 2013, Charlie Austin has scored 37 league goals (incl. play-offs) for QPR; 30 more than any other player. Value.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2015