Newcastle United are allegedly plotting a summer swoop for Queen Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin in an attempt to lure Steve McClaren to the club as its new manager.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley believes that signing the £10m-rated hitman will convince the Derby boss of the team's ambition, according to The Mirror.

McClaren is the favourite to take over at Newcastle this summer, having been linked with the job before John Carver took over in a caretaker capacity.

However, the former England manager still has a shot at reaching the Premier League with current club Derby, the Rams currently occupying fifth place in the Championship.

Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett has also been linked with the St James' Park hotseat.