Southampton signs Charlie Austin from QPR

To see a list of completed deals in the January window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker

Charlie Austin is coming back to the Premier League.

Southampton announced Saturday that the forward has agreed to join the team from Queens Park Rangers after signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.

(Courtesy: Southampton)

Neither team disclosed the financial terms of the deal, but Southampton is reported to have paid £4 million to complete the transfer, according to Sky Sports.

Although Austin was connected with several clubs regarding a return to England's top flight, the 26-year-old revealed that the Saints were at the top of his list.

"I'm delighted to have got it over the line so soon into January," Austin told the team's website. "I can't wait to get started now. As soon as Southampton showed an interest that was the one club I wanted to go to.

"You see the progression from when I was playing against Southampton for Swindon. For me, it was important to come to a club that's on the up and that's what I've got here."

Southampton announced Austin will link up with his new teammates next week, meaning he could be available for the team's trip to Old Trafford when it faces Manchester United.

There are questions about his health after Austin was sidelined for the better part of a month with a hamstring knock, but his return to training recently suggests he's close to overcoming the injury.

"We are very happy to be able to welcome Charlie to the club," executive director Les Reed said.

"Coming after Wednesday's morale-boosting home victory, this signing is an indicator of our intent to finish the season strongly and continue the progress we've made in the last few years.

"Charlie shares that ambition. He has a fantastic goal-scoring pedigree, but remains hungry to improve and develop as a footballer – something that convinced him that Southampton is the ideal next step in his career."

Austin scored 18 goals in 36 matches before QPR was relegated last season, and has 10 goals through 12 contests in the Championship this season.