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Confirmed: Newcastle stunned as Southampton complete shock striker signing
SOUTHAMPTON have beaten Newcastle to QPR striker Charlie Austin.
Charlie Austin has scored 10 goals for QPR this season
Austin, 26, is Saints' first signing of January and will reportedly cost the south coast club £4million.
He has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at St Mary's, despite interest from other clubs in his signature.
“I'm delighted to have got it over the line so soon into January. I can't wait to get started now," he said.
"As soon as Southampton showed an interest that was the one club I wanted to go to.
Welcome to #SaintsFC, @chazaustin9! #SaintCharlie pic.twitter.com/ZeKYe1cbPc
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 16, 2016
Magpies manager Steve McClaren refused to discuss their interest in the striker.
”I can’t mention names," McClaren said when asked if he was keen to sign the ace.
"We are talking very privately and we are not discussing anything about January, any targets.
”I can’t mention names.
"We are talking very privately and we are not discussing anything about January, any targets."
Former Swindon and Burnley ace Austin has scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for QPR this term.
#SaintsFC complete the signing of @chazaustin9 from #QPR on a four-and-a-half-year contract – https://t.co/KnxoRTpmEE
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 16, 2016