GETTY Alan Pardew (left) is reportedly keen to land QPR's Charlie Austin this month

But The Sun claim Palace manager Alan Pardew has made Austin his No1 target for the January transfer window. Austin's contract expires this summer and he is able to discuss pre-contract terms with clubs ahead of a free transfer at the end of the season. But QPR are reportedly open to selling their star man this month before they lose him for nothing.

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Last weekend Toon manager Steve McClaren refused to discuss speculation linking the club with Austin. ”I can’t mention names," the former England boss said. "We are talking very privately and we are not discussing anything about January, any targets. “We know what we need and we know what we are doing behind the scenes. I just say we’ll keep that private until such time that something happens. "Believe you me, we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to correct things and move on and get results."