NEWCASTLE are pondering a move for Leeds United defender Sam Byram, but are close to admitting defeat in their pursuit of Charlie Austin with QPR still refusing to lower their £15m asking price for the striker.

Having completed four signings so far this summer, the Magpies would ideally like to add another two players before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Their attempts to add another striker have dominated the agenda for most of the close season, but Steve McClaren is also keen to recruit a defender capable of playing primarily as a right-back, but who could also provide cover in a number of defensive and midfield positions.

His search has led him to Byram, and both assistant manager Ian Cathro and chief scout Graham Carr were at Elland Road on Saturday to watch the 21-year-old play in his side’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

Byram, who was born in Essex but raised in York, has been on Newcastle’s radar since he made his senior debut as an 18-year-old in August 2012.

He has entered the final year of his current deal with Leeds, and with talks over a potential new contract having broken down in January, the Magpies are contemplating an offer of around £4m.

Leeds would be entitled to compensation if Byram was to leave as a free agent next summer, but while manager Uwe Rosler would be reluctant to lose one of his side’s most influential players, owner Massimo Cellino could be tempted to cash in now rather than risk the judgement of an FA tribunal in 12 months time.

While Byram played on the right-hand side of midfield at the weekend, he has spent most of his time playing at right-back and he would provide a useful alternative to Daryl Janmaat if he was to move to St James’ Park.

He would effectively replace Ryan Taylor, who left at the end of last season, with McClaren not currently possessing a natural replacement if Janmaat was to suffer an injury.

Newcastle’s options at the other end of the field are more plentiful following the arrival of Aleksandar Mitrovic, although the Magpies are still looking to recruit another attacker if an acceptable deal can be struck.

Austin has topped their wanted list for the majority of the summer, but a succession of inquiries to the QPR board have been met with an identical response.

Despite his side’s relegation to the Championship, QPR owner Tony Fernandes is adamant Austin will not be allowed to leave for less than £15m.

Leicester are currently the only club to have tabled a formal offer for the England international, and QPR officials are even considering offering a new deal if their demands are not met this summer.

“The fans are waiting for the window to close, and are hoping Charlie is still here,” said QPR director of football Les Ferdinand. “These things always seem to drag on, but from the club’s perspective, you want it resolved as quickly as possible.

“All he can do is be professional, which he was against Charlton on Saturday. He’s got into this position where clubs are interested in him because he’s been professional and scored goals. He can’t allow himself to slip now.

“The price is still £15m, and the only firm bid that has come in is still from Leicester. Everyone feels that bids are going to come in for him – it’s just a matter of when. But if a club doesn’t pay the fee, we will offer him a new contract to get him to stay.”

Meanwhile, Tim Krul has paid tribute to McClaren’s immediate impact since taking over the St James’ Park reins in the summer.

The former England and Middlesbrough boss oversaw his first competitive game at the weekend, and while Newcastle were eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Southampton, their vibrant attacking display stood in marked contrast to the more staid displays that characterised much of last season.

McClaren promised to adopt a positive approach when he agreed to take over on Tyneside, and Krul admits there was a need to shake things up after last season’s struggles.

“I think it needed a fresh wind, and the gaffer has definitely come in and changed a few things,” said Krul. “We showed a few patches of it (against Southampton), and the manager walked in the changing room and said to us that he thinks we can add another 40 per cent to what we showed.”

Chancel Mbemba made his Magpies debut at the heart of the back four at the weekend, and while the DR Congo international does not speak English, Krul does not expect communication to be a problem.

“I gave him a few words before the game,” said the Dutchman. “I said if I say, ‘Keeper - get out of the way’, you are going to get a punch on the head!

“He's a top player. You can see that. He’s confident on the ball and I think he’ll be a real asset for us. Him and Colo (Fabricio Coloccini) read the game really well and he had a great debut.”