Newcastle United are set to delay a £15million move for QPR striker Charlie Austin while they try to find out if the player wants to stay in London.

New Newcastle manager Steve McClaren is a keen admirer of Austin whose 18 Premier League goals last season was bettered only by Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane and Diego Costa.

However, West Ham United and Chelsea are also keeping an eye on Berkshire-born Austin who was named in Roy Hodgson's last England squad.

Newcastle United are set to delay a £15million move for QPR striker Charlie Austin (centre)

West Ham and Chelsea are keeping an eye on Austin who was named in Roy Hodgson's last England squad

However the 25-year-old did not feature in the friendly against Ireland and the Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia

The 25-year-old striker cast doubt on moving to the north-east when he posted a tweet earlier this month in response to speculation: 'Honestly where do people get this stuff from'.

Jose Mourinho is looking for a reliable forward to understudy Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge following the departure of Didier Drogba. Loic Remy and Patrick Bamford are the other senior forwards on the club's books.

Meanwhile, former Everton and Manchester United No 2 Steve Round has turned down the opportunity to talk to Newcastle about a role assisting McClaren because he wants to try and get a job as a manager.

Austin's 18 domestic goals last season was bettered only by Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane and Diego Costa