Report: Crystal Palace, Newcastle targeting QPR goal-machine Charlie Austin

Sitting seventh in the Premier League table without a dependable forward option, Queens Park Rangers' striker Charlie Austin appears set for a move to south London to join Crystal Palace.

Reports suggest that Newcastle United has also expressed an interest in the striker and will compete with the south London side for the forward's services.

With speculation that Palace boss Alan Pardew is looking to strengthen the squad with experienced top-flight players for the second-half push, Hoops star Austin could be poised for a Croydon switch, according to The Telegraph's Matt Law.

On the topic of a goal shortage at Selhurst Park and the lack of viable attack alternatives, Pardew told reporters, "We have been happy with Connor Wickham, but he has been out for long periods and we have done unbelievably well without him at times.

"If we can keep him and Dwight Gayle fit, and get Marouane Chamakh up to speed, we will be okay. But we are still looking at the market to see if there is anything with a bit of value."

Palace has failed to score in any of its last three matches, with the attack triumvirate of Wickham, Gayle, and Chamakh combining for one goal through the first 20 top-flight matches.

Playmaker Yohan Cabaye leads the team with five goals.

Austin has 10 goals for QPR this season on the heels of a standout 18-goal campaign for the relegated Hoops last season, sparking interest from several Premier League sides despite the 26-year-old's insistence that he has no plans of leaving Loftus Road before the summer.