Finalising Austin deal could be new Burnley manager's first task (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Finalising Austin deal could be new Burnley manager's first task
2:00pm Saturday 13th October 2012 in Sport
By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter
Charlie Austin
FINALISING a new deal for Charlie Austin could be the next manager of Burnley’s first task.
The 23-year-old has blazed a goal trail this season, scoring 15 so far with 11 of them coming in his last six games.
Austin’s blistering form has roused the attention of at least 12 Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United thought to be weighing up a January offer.
Austin has 18 months left to run on his current contract.
In his current form it was expected that the club would have already begun talks over an extended deal, or at least broached the subject, but surprisingly it is understood that is not the case.
Austin could command a figure of around £4m if he is sold in January, but with Burnley looking to regroup following the departure of Eddie Howe, Austin’s presence will prove vital to their cause.
Top flight teams looking to avoid the drop or Championship sides pushing for promotion would be most likely to be in the hunt. Other suitors may wait until the summer.
If Austin’s contract was allowed to run its course, he could leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2014.
Clarets co-chairman John Banaszkiewicz said the club were keen to keep hold of their prized asset, but I understand there is no rush to secure Austin’s longer term future.
“Charlie’s come a long way, he’s a big asset for us and he has helped us secure some vital points this season,” he said.
“He is on a long-term contract, expiring in 18 months, and he has really blossomed.
“We’ve had no approaches from any clubs. We would very much like to keep him at Burnley. He seems to be very focused on scoring goals for us.”
Comments are closed on this article.

Comments (14)
2:18pm Sat 13 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
( Gone in next window )
2:25pm Sat 13 Oct 12
FCBurnley says...
Compare Austin to Rhodes ( 8 million) and J Rod ( 7 million). Rhodes has only scored goals in Div 1. He is hardly setting The Championship on fire !
Austin has already got 15 goals which is probably more than Rhodes will score in the season. Will Rhodes score 11 in 6 matches. Not a chance and he is an 8 million striker.
So either Austin is worth double Rhodes or Rovers have paid 6 million too much !
2:43pm Sat 13 Oct 12
steralc says...
UTC
2:49pm Sat 13 Oct 12
Rovers1975 says...
3:33pm Sat 13 Oct 12
Harwoodstblue says...
3:44pm Sat 13 Oct 12
Keep darwen greens worst enemy says...
Same old blackburn fans, stupid fools picking arguments over nothing.
3:54pm Sat 13 Oct 12
FCBurnley says...
Austin is obviously worth far more than Rhodes.
Is Rhodes worth 8 million ? possibly in the future but not now
3:57pm Sat 13 Oct 12
FCBurnley says...
5:03pm Sat 13 Oct 12
Old rover says...
5:05pm Sat 13 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
5:11pm Sat 13 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
Rhodes will score miles more than austin in his career. No problem, just needs better service and watch him go. Austin on the other hand has hit his peak and its down hill from here on in. Anyway if he does keep getting better and he wants a move to a PL club, he can always come to ewood and keep the bench warm.
6:15pm Sat 13 Oct 12
Rovers1975 says...
Austin will be worth what any club decides he's worth when they mug the mighty clarets of their prize asset for peanuts...... tata my dingle luvvies x x x
3:01am Sun 14 Oct 12
Stone Island: says...
3:44pm Sun 14 Oct 12
FCBurnley says...