New Queens Park Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has insisted that he will not allow striker Charlie Austin to be "pinched" in the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to several Premier League clubs ahead of the re-opening of the window next month.

However, Hasselbaink has warned potential suitors that he will not be allowing Austin to leave on a cheap deal after expressing his desire to work with the forward.

He told reporters: "You don't pinch. He's not going to be pinched. I'm looking forward to working with Charlie, and I'm looking forward to working with everyone else as well.

"Charlie Austin is a very important individual at this club but it's a team game. I want to have a team. I don't want individuals. You need a team and eventually teams win you titles. Individuals win just the game.

"We need to hit the ground with both feet, not one, and concentrate on a Saturday, and the league will take care of itself. That's the easiest way, and that's the best way."

Austin has scored eight goals in 14 matches for the R's this season.