Newcastle United are on high alert after it was revealed that Southampton trio Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long are ‘free to leave’ the club this January.
The Saints have had a lacklustre start to the season in front of goal, leading to new Saints owner Jisheng Gao saying he will listen to offers for the underperforming forwards after the New Year, reports the Daily Mail.
The trio have managed just 4 goals between them in all competitions this season, and with a combined value of nearly £30 million, Gao believes they are not delivering value for money.
With the news that the Saints are ready to now cash in on their offensive trio, Newcastle United will be on high alert as they themselves are looking to bolster their options in front of goal after an equally poor start.
Manager Rafael Benitez is frustrated with his striker’s lack of goals, with Joselu, Alexandar Mitrovic and Dwight Gayle only managing five between them since August.
The Spaniard has already been vocal with his desire to sign a striker come January, and could now turn to one or more of the out-of-favour Saints men.
Charlie Austin was heavly linked with a move to St James Park before he completed his £4 million switch from QPR to Southampton in January of this year.
