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da gbg bet： Southampton are prepared to listen to offers for striker Charlie Austin, according to Sky Sports.
Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been trimming his squad this January and is now prepared to part with the forward, who has been at St Mary’s Stadium since 2016.
What’s the word?
Austin has scored three goals this season, in 18 appearances in all competitions – per Transfermarkt.
However, his contract expires at the end of next season and the 29-year-old is deemed expendable by Hasenhuttl.
Indeed, Austin has not played 90 minutes this season and has been handed just three starts by the Austrian.
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The Englishman has not played for the club since the 2-2 FA Cup draw with Derby County and is now seemingly poised for an exit from the Saints.
Southampton have already sold Manolo Gabbiadini to Sampdoria this month – per BBC – while Wesley Hoedt was shipped out on loan to Celta Vigo, reports Sky Sports.
The club have yet to recruit a new addition in this transfer window, however.
No mercy
Hasenhuttl is showing absolutely no mercy at Southampton.
He is well aware of the style of play he wants to implement and it has become apparent that Austin does not fit with that vision.
The striker has been something of a journeyman throughout his career – playing for the likes of Poole Town, Swindon Town, Burnley and QPR prior to joining Southampton – and he appears poised to return to his nomadic roots this month.
It remains to be seen if any Premier League clubs will be willing to take a gamble on Austin, though, as he has never scored over 10 goals for the club in a single campaign.
But he does, at least, have the chance of a fresh start, while Hasenhuttl has the ability to bring in a new striker more in keeping with his modus operandi on the south coast.