Charlie Austin, Saido Berahino and Andy Carroll are all reportedly on Steve McClaren’s striker shortlist following his appointment as Newcastle United manager.
The 54-year-old former England boss was confirmed as the new man in charge on Tyneside on Wednesday and has apparently been promised a £40m transfer kitty.
McClaren is planning improvements to all areas of the squad, but is prioritising a new strike force. Papiss Cisse, who scored 11 goals last season, could be leaving the club and there is very little firepower elsewhere.
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The Mirror claims that West Bromwich Albion’s Berahino, who has been linked with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, and Queens Park Rangers forward Austin could form Newcastle’s new forward partnership.
Austin is expected to leave Loftus Road following their relegation campaign, in which he scored 18 goals, and Premier League champions Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old.
Twenty-goal Berahino could also be available depending on the ownership status of the Baggies, but The Newcastle Chronicle suggests that McClaren has former St James’ Park favourite Carroll lined up as back up.
The 26-year-old left Newcastle for Liverpool in a £35m deal in 2011, but could reportedly return to his boyhood club if West Ham United decide to cut their losses on the injury-prone target man this summer.
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