Saints are being touted in the media to sign QPR striker Charlie Austin, but the big question is why Saints would be interested in doing so.

Saints have been linked with Charlie Austin before on more than one occasion, but the question is just where would he slot into the Saints side ?

Austin does not fit the usual profile for a Ronald Koeman signing in that he is an out and out centre forward and from that respect he could only be a direct replacement for Graziano Pelle unless Ronald Koeman intends changing his formation to play two out and out strikers up front.

Koeman already has several other strikers as in Mane, Long & Rodriguez who are not only able to play as out and out strikers when called upon but also able to play in a wide role.

This tends to suggest that these reports are nothing more than media speculation probably fuelled by the players agent.

If Austin was to arrive he would be unlikely to be an automatic choice and although it would be nice to have a player of his capabilities coming off the bench, I just cannot see Austin himself being content with that.

The big surprise of the summer is that no big club came in for him, rumours persist about his off the field lifestyle and perhaps this has lead to teams not being willing to take a chance on him and he has seen his star wane. A year ago he was on the verge of an England cap yet a year later he has not made the strides of his peers from last season, like Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.

That is the only real reason you can see hi coming to Saints, he would be in a team where he can shine albeit in a reduced role and perhaps push his case for an England recall.

Other clubs linked are Bournemouth, Newcastle and Aston Villa, but that would surely be a ove that could put him back into the same position that he is now next season ie the Championship.

West Brom are also being touted and that could perhaps be a good move as he would not only have the chance of a place in the starting line up regularly, but would perhaps not be involved in a relegation battle.

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patred added 13:45 - Dec 1 If we were to sign him, it would be because Jay Rodriques fitness is in doubt
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BUCK added 13:56 - Dec 1 You need to check odds checker or any bookmakers. Saints are not even in the betting for charlie to come. Meaning he's at least 50/1 to come to saints. Totally misinformed information here
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BoondockSaint added 13:57 - Dec 1 Nick I don't know why you keep listing J-Rod as one of our strikers when he hasn't really played in what? a year and a half? I thought we should have signed Austin this summer. At least he shoots when he gets a chance and is usually on goal.
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legod7 added 14:16 - Dec 1 Boondock JRod has played 5 league games this season as well as some Europa qualifying games
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BoondockSaint added 15:49 - Dec 1 legod7 take a look at this: http://www.squawka.com/players/jay-rodriguez/stats#performance-score#southampton If my mathematics are right, he's played 8 games averaging 31.62 minutes a game, so I would not list him as an available or regular player. Our shots on goal is horrendous, nevermind set pieces. We need a couple of strikers that know where the goal is.
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uaesaint added 17:44 - Dec 1 Mane is going j rod not back till feb and then I have my doughts and maybe ???? Over pella and going to Italy so yes I would at right price have him on board
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GeordieSaint added 11:02 - Dec 2 Newcastle were mad not to sign him in the summer. Blowing all that money on a load of French and Dutch lads who look lightweight and out of their depth. Hopefully they will remedy that at Christmas.
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