Newcastle United hopeful of striking a deal to sign QPR's Charlie Austin?

Newcastle United are reportedly quietly confident of securing the signature of Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin before the transfer window shuts in five weeks' time.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with the forward, who is said to also be wanted by West Ham United and Crystal Palace, for some time.

According to The Northern Echo, while Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley does not agree with QPR's £15m asking price, the North-East club have had word from Austin's camp that the 26-year-old would be interested in signing for the Magpies.

Before a deal can be struck, the Premier League club are reportedly keen to receive assurances that Austin's shoulder problem will not be a significant issue.

Austin scored 18 Premier League goals last season.