QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has reiterated his desire to keep star striker Charlie Austin at the club until at least the end of the season.

The 26-year-old, who scored a brace in the 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday night, has only six months left on his current deal and Hasselbaink would rather let him go for free in the summer than for a cut-price deal in January.

"I think in football you can't guarantee anything," Hasselbaink said after the game.

"Everyone wants to make profit and at the end of the day it's a business. We have to understand that, as a manager and as a club.

"Do we want to put him up for sale? No.

"The club does not want to sell him. But, on the other hand, it's up to the owners. I can only advise. I can only say, 'No, I don't want him to leave, I need him'. I think they will respect that."

Premier League clubs Sunderland and Newcastle United are reported to be interested in the services of Austin who has scored 10 Championship goals this season.