Former QPR midfielder Joey Barton has warned Charlie Austin against a potential move to Newcastle United.
Austin has become one of the sought after strikers in the Premier League after his impressive campaign with QPR. He scored 18 goals during the entire campaign in a team that were ultimately relegated to the Championship. His England debut also happened last season and this has only increased his transfer value. QPR are well aware that they cannot retain Austin under any circumstances, as the player is hugely ambitious in order to progress in his career.
The 26-year-old has been linked with several clubs in the English top division and Newcastle United are understood to be favourites for his signature. One of his former teammates, Joey Barton is someone who is used to life at St James’s Park. He has stated that Newcastle remain as a huge draw for any player looking to progress in his career, but it may not be the right move for Austin at this time. He says that the north-east outfit are going through a period of instability, which could threaten Austin’s progression. Instead, Barton says that the England international should consider offers from elsewhere.
Barton is one of the numerous top players available on a free transfer after being released by QPR. “I spent four years up there (at Newcastle) and it’s a fantastic place to ply your trade.There’s a great support base who support their team home and away.The only issue for him is maybe a little bit of instability going on, in and around the place.Will they be the best opportunity for him should he decide to leave QPR? Will they provide a more stable environment for him to kick on to that next level? He’s always asking questions like ‘what’s it like there’,” said Barton.
