Report: QPR-affiliated agent proposed Charlie Austin swap deal with Newcastle

An agent allegedly working on behalf of Queens Park Rangers' director of football, Les Ferdinand, approached Newcastle United late in the transfer window offering a swap deal involving Charlie Austin.

Austin, one of the most storied players over the summer, was linked with moves to a string of Premier League clubs, but he stayed put, much to the delight of manager Chris Ramsey.

Related: Charlie Austin will only leave QPR for an 'established Premier League club'

Now the Evening Chronicle has revealed that QPR was willing to offload its prized asset for money and one of the Magpies' hottest prospects.

The newspaper understands an agent claiming to represent QPR looked to strike a deal that would see Austin make the move to the northeast if Steve McClaren's side parted with £10 million and 19-year-old Rolando Aarons.

Aarons was released from Bristol City's youth academy in 2012, but he was promptly picked up by Newcastle and has since developed into a fine prospect.

With McClaren favouring a system with pace down the flanks and quick counter attacks, it could be a breakout season for the England Under-20 international.

The St James's Park outfit was not keen on offloading the young talent, and also dismissed Austin's apparent availability for a discounted £12 million, after a fee of £15 million was touted earlier in the campaign.

With Austin's contract expiring at the end of this season, many teams balked at the asking price, and will be expected to battle it out for the 26-year-old next summer.