Newcastle United will reportedly offer Charlie Austin the club's number nine shirt in the hope of luring the Queens Park Rangers striker to St James' Park.

The 25-year-old has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs, including West Ham United and Chelsea, but Southampton have apparently ruled themselves out of contention.

According to the Daily Star, the Magpies are hopeful of landing their top target by offering him the iconic shirt that has been worn by Alan Shearer, Jackie Milburn and Andy Cole.

Papiss Cisse currently holds the squad number, but it is believed that Newcastle will listen to offers for the 30-year-old, who was banned for seven league games last season after spitting at Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

The report claims that Newcastle are planning to launch a £12m bid for Austin.