Southampton have made a play for QPR hitman Charlie Austin.

The Express reports that the Saints have tabled a £10million offer for the 25-year old striker who netted 18 Premier League goals despite the R's suffering relegation last season.

Austin is a reported target for Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham United but Southampton are looking to steal a march on their rivals by making an early bid.

The former Burnley star is almost certain to leave Loftus Road this summer and the Saints are hoping to lure him to the south coast after already attracting striker Juanmi and defender Cedric Soares from Malaga and Sporting Lisbon respectively.