NEWCASTLE UNITED have missed out on one of their leading attacking targets after Charlie Austin completed a £4m move to QPR.

The Magpies tracked Austin extensively over the summer, only to withdraw their interest amid concerns over the striker's fitness following a knee injury.

Newcastle were also unable to agree a fee with QPR officials for a player who was due to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign.

However, with Steve McClaren's side having failed to impress in front of goal so far this season, the Magpies' recruitment team made renewed contact with the QPR hierarchy this month.

Having accepted that they are unlikely to be able to sign either Alexandre Lacazette or Bas Dost this month, Austin re-emerged as a leading target.

However, the 26-year-old completed a cut-price move to Southampton this lunch-time, having signed a four-and-a-half year contract at St Mary's Stadium.

Austin said: "As soon as Southampton showed an interest that was the one club I wanted to go to.

"You see the progression from when I was playing against Southampton for Swindon. For me, it was important to come to a club that's on the up and that's what I've got here."