Steve McClaren has confirmed that Newcastle have not made a bid for QPR striker Charlie Austin.

The Magpies are one of a number of clubs to have been linked with the services of the recently-relegated forward, who managed 18 goals in QPR's doomed bid for survival.

West Ham United, Aston Villa and even champions Chelsea have considered a bid for the 26-year-old, who is valued at around £15 million.

But Newcastle are yet to formally to join them in the hunt. McClaren told BBC Newcastle: “No we haven’t made a bid. I can say that as a board member.”

Newcastle signed Aleksandar Mitrovic for £13 million from Anderlecht, a transfer which McClaren was involved in after taking up a role on the club’s board of directors when he was appointed in June.

QPR manager Chris Ramsey has confirmed that 26-year-old Austin will probably leave the relegated squad, and is likely to be followed by Leroy Fer.