Dean Ashton: 'West Ham United must sign Charlie Austin'

Former West Ham United forward Dean Ashton has told his old club that they should make Charlie Austin a priority signing.

The Queens Park Rangers striker, who scored 18 Premier League goals last season, has been linked with a move away from Loftus Road following their relegation to the Championship.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Austin, but Ashton says that the 25-year-old would make a great addition to the West Ham side.

"If it was me [at West Ham], I'd go out straight away and put the money down for Charlie Austin," Ashton told talkSPORT.

"He's scored 18 goals in a team that was struggling. I know what it's like to play in teams where you're not playing every week, and it's tough. You only get few chances and he's so clinical."

West Ham appointed Slaven Bilic as their new manager on Tuesday.