LEICESTER City have had a bid of £12m for Newcastle United target Charlie Austin turned down by Queens Park Rangers.
The Magpies have been told they will have to pay nearer to the £15m mark for the former Burnley front-man but the Foxes’ move has turned up the heat in the race for his signature.
Leicester are expected to return with a new bid and, with West Ham also thought to be keen, Newcastle will have to act fast if they intend to make him Steve McClaren’s first signing.
QPR are willing to let him go following relegation from the Premier League but are determined to get their valuation for Austin. Newcastle, however, are waiting for a breakthrough on the transfer front and reports in France claim there has been a £15m double bid for playmaker Florian Thauvin and midfielder Mario Lemina from Marseille.
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