CHARLIE AUSTIN HAS JOINED Southampton on a four-and-a-half-year deal from QPR.
The 26-year-old striker, who scored 18 goals in he Premier League for the relegated Rs last season, arrives for a transfer fee believed to be around £4 million (€5.2m).
“We are very happy to be able to welcome Charlie to the club,” said Saints director of football Les Reed.
Having had a taste of Premier League football and his first call-up to the England squad last season, he is determined to establish himself at the highest level of the game.
“Bringing Charlie here is a show of the club’s commitment to its plan for future success through investment in talent with a desire to grow and develop.”
The arrival is likely to cast doubt over Shane Long’s future at Southampton as the Ireland striker is reportedly a January transfer target for Liverpool and Tottenham.
28-year-old Tipperary native Long signed for the club from Hull City back in August 2014 and has scored 15 goals in 60 appearances.
