Aston Villa are readying a bid for QPR star Charlie Austin according to reports.

The Daily Star suggests that Villa will go after Austin if Liverpool target Christian Benteke happens to leave at the end of the season.

Villa are prepared to part with £15million for the services of Austin who scored 17 goals for the R's who were relegated from the Premier League.

The former Burnley ace, 25, is also a target for Newcastle United but with the uncertainty surrounding the north east club, Villa would have much more of an appeal.