NEWCASTLE UNITED are determined to beat Southampton to the capture of in-demand striker Charlie Austin, having already lost out in the battle to land Burnley forward Danny Ings.

Assuming the club remain in the Premier League, Newcastle’s recruitment team have accepted the need to sign an experienced centre-forward this summer, and while chief scout Graham Carr will continue to be encouraged to explore the continental market for potential bargains, there is a growing acknowledgment that the Magpies have not recruited enough players with prior experience of the Premier League.

They had hoped to make an early move for Ings, who will leave Turf Moor as a free agent this summer following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship. However, after holding discussions with a number of clubs in England, Spain and Germany, Ings has opted to join Liverpool, and a deal with the Anfield club will be confirmed when the transfer window officially reopens.

Ings’ decision has forced the Newcastle hierarchy to look elsewhere, and while club officials are also believed to be working on a contingency plan in the event of relegation, QPR’s demotion to the Championship has emboldened them to step up their pursuit of Austin.

The 25-year-old has scored 17 top-flight goals this season despite QPR’s struggles, and is one of the players QPR head coach Chris Ramsey has accepted he is likely to lose as he prepares to take over at Loftus Road on a permanent basis.

Austin, who has one year of his current contract remaining, is keen to remain in the Premier League as he targets a maiden call-up to the England fold, and it is increasingly looks as though Newcastle and Southampton are the likeliest clubs to battle it out for his signature.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman has spoken publicly of his desire to reinforce his attacking options this summer, and the Dutchman could yet be in a position to offer Europa League football next term. That could appeal to Austin, although sources in London claim the striker would seek assurances about his place in the pecking order in relation to Graziano Pelle.

With Papiss Cisse’s long-term future uncertain, Newcastle could offer Austin top billing at St James’ Park, and while QPR would be looking for around £10m, the Magpies will surely have to accept that they cannot expect to capture a proven Premier League striker for a knock-down fee.

Newcastle travel to QPR this weekend, and while there are unlikely to be any formal talks over Austin’s future, the game nevertheless offers an opportunity to informally confirm the club’s interest, provided the result does not plunge United deeper into the relegation mire.

A successful deal for Austin could herald Cisse’s departure, with the Newcastle board understood to be prepared to listen to offers for a player who is at the peak of his selling power as he prepares to enter the final two years of his contract.

Cisse was heavily linked with Turkish side Fenerbahce in January, and could also be reunited with his former boss, Alan Pardew, at Crystal Palace as the Eagles look to add to their squad.

For the time being, the 29-year-old is concentrating on finishing the current campaign as strongly as possible, and while there is an obvious collective need to ensure Newcastle do not drop out of the top-flight, Cisse also accepts he has a personal motivation to impress against QPR and West Ham.

Having missed a total of ten matches through suspension this season, the Senegal international is determined to make up for lost time, and after taking part in a full week of training, there is a strong chance he could start at Loftus Road in two days time.

“The last two games are very important for the club, and also very important for me personally,” said Cisse. “I am only really happy when I am out on the pitch, and every game is a really big game for me now because I haven’t been able to play much and the team needs the points in every game.

“I haven’t been playing, and I want to play and hopefully score as much as I can before the season ends. The last two games will not be easy because QPR and West Ham will want to win too, but Newcastle need the points so we have to work hard.”

Cisse returned to action in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with West Brom, and admits he found it difficult to watch the opening hour from the substitutes’ bench before he was given the nod to go onto the field.

“It’s never easy when you’re sitting on the bench, because you’re moving with every ball and wanting to be involved,” he said. “It was like I was playing. I enjoyed the game, but it was tough because I want my team to win.”