Championship transfer news: QPR remain ‘hopeful’ of finalising Charlie Austin swoop as talks continue over permanent deal

QPR are increasingly hopeful of agreeing a permanent deal to sign Charlie Austin this summer, talkSPORT understands.

Encouraging talks have taken place between the two parties to date, with the West Brom forward keen on the prospect of remaining at the Championship side for the long term.

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Austin’s current deal at the Hawthorns expires this summer – although the recently relegated Baggies have an option to extend that contract by a further year.

talkSPORT understands that the Midlands side are yet to decide whether to activate that option, although that looks unlikely as things stand.

But with that said West Brom ultimately hold the cards to the deal going ahead, which would come as a huge boost to Rs boss Mark Warburton.

The prolific frontman is a fans’ favourite in W12 – and rightly so – having scored 56 goals in 111 games across two spells.

Austin's most recent loan stint yielded eight goals in 21 appearances, while the experienced striker had a huge impact behind the scenes.

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Sources close to Austin believe a deal will get finalised, with Rangers expected to offer the forward an incentive-based contract.

The 31-year-old has made it clear he wants to be challenging for promotion to the Premier League next season, with boss Warburton desperate to keep hold of fellow loanees Stefan Johansen and Sam Field.

Jordy de Wijs has already put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal in W12, with the Dutchman joining from Hull after impressing during the latter stages of the 2020/21 campaign.

Austin has one eye on a career in the media when he eventually decides to hang up his boots, and he has already made very encouraging steps in realising that ambition.

He has regularly appeared on the likes of talkSPORT, while his 'Studs Up' podcast which delves into the world of football and horse racing has been a major hit.

It's also understood that Austin's media committments could play a huge factor when he is weighing up his future.