David Gold: 'Charlie Austin is on £100k a week at Southampton'

West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has claimed that Charlie Austin will collect £100,000 a week in wages during his time at Southampton.

On Twitter, Gold was asked by a West Ham supporter why the Hammers did not take up a £4m option to sign the Englishman, who moved to Southampton from Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

Gold did not comment on the transfer price, but hinted that the deal would have meant a substantial outlay in terms of salary.

"Is he a bargain if his wages are £100,000 per week?" Gold posted on Twitter when questioned on Austin.

Austin, 26, scored 18 Premier League goals for QPR last season, but could not prevent the R's from being relegated back to the Championship.