Queens Park Rangers star Charlie Austin has hit out at West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan for an "outrageous slur" about the striker's fitness.

R's striker Austin has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Londoners, with the likes of Newcastle United and the Hammers reportedly interested.

However, West Ham chief Sullivan questioned the ligaments in Austin's right knee in a fans' podcast and had misgivings over sanctioning a £15m move, and Austin has angrily responded to the claims in a statement.

"For the record, there is nothing wrong with my ligaments, as has been suggested," said Austin.

"For a leading figure at a Premier League club to suggest that I could break down at any moment is an outrageous slur on my professionalism.

"I am fit, strong and looking forward to the weekend's game against Rotherham."

Austin scored 18 goals for QPR last term.