Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Charlie Austin, Anthony Martial Rumours

Reported Manchester United transfer target Charlie Austin has decided to stay with Queens Park Rangers for the foreseeable future, turning down an offer from Crystal Palace in favour of a stint in the Championship.  

The Independent's Sam Wallace reported the news on Tuesday, noting the 26-year-old striker had been linked to a host of clubs. Metro's Tom Olver added Manchester United to the mix, after odds on a move to Old Trafford were slashed late in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Austin took to Twitter on Tuesday, making it quite clear where his future lies:

The Red Devils are on the verge of signing talented prospect Anthony Martial from AS Monaco, per Sky Sports Football, but while the youngster is tipped, he's unlikely to add much to United's attack in 2015-16.

With Wayne Rooney stumbling out of the blocks and the squad as a whole looking shaky in front of goal, fans and pundits are clamoring for the arrival of at least one veteran scorer. The Daily Telegraph's Mark Ogden suggested even Dimitar Berbatov would be welcomed back with open arms:

Austin made a strong impression during the 2014-15 season, leading QPR's attack in their first season back in the Premier League. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't save the west London club from being relegated, and given his sublime scoring record, transfer speculation immediately started to surface.

Oddschecker noted he scored a respectable 18 goals last season and doesn't understand why clubs are seemingly unwilling to spend a rather modest amount of money on the proven forward:

Austin has spent the bulk of his career playing in the lower leagues but has consistently scored goals for every club he's played at. He has the physical traits and presence inside the box to be a hit at the Premier League level, and while he may never be a world-class striker, he would at the very least be a solid depth option.

According to Sky Sports, QPR will start negotiating a new contract with the striker once the transfer window closes, so clubs looking for a cut-price deal in January shouldn't get their hopes up, either.

It's difficult to see why clubs are seemingly unwilling to invest a rather modest fee in a striker who is only just entering his prime and has already proven he can score on the Premier League level. Simon Evans of Reuters Sport agrees:

There's a good chance clubs will come knocking on QPR's door in January, realising they're halfway through the season and lacking a prolific scorer. But for a club like United, it might be too late by then, if manager Louis van Gaal's men want to contend for silverware this season.

Perhaps there will be a last-minute move for Austin, but given the message he sent to his fans on Tuesday, the striker may prefer to stay in west London for now and see how the next few months play out.

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