Parish’s comments on QPR’s Austin reported as boost for Newcastle

A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea, Fulham and Brentford…

Speculation continues over the future of QPR star Charlie Austin.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has suggested the striker is beyond the Eagles’ reach, which the Newcastle Chronicle believe is a ‘big boost’ to Steve McClaren’s chances of capturing him.

Newcastle boss McClaren is widely reported to be trying to sign Austin – despite having not made an approach.

A number of clubs have been linked with Austin in recent months
A number of clubs have been linked with Austin in recent months

Fulham have reportedly had a £4m bid for Brighton defender Lewis Dunk turned down.

The Argus in Brighton claim the Whites have been told the highly-rated 23-year-old is not for sale.

Reports in Germany, also picked up by World Soccer, suggest Brentford are interested in bringing Germany Under-21 striker Philipp Hofmann to Griffin Park.

Hofmann scored six times in 30 games for Kaiserslautern in the German second tier last season and played a couple of times in the European Under-21 Championship this summer.

Chelsea may face competition from Real Madrid for Augsburg left-back Abdul Baba Rahman, the Daily Star claims.

The Blues are widely tipped to move for the Ghanaian once Filipe Luis’ anticipated return to Atletico Madrid is completed, but the Star – quoting reports in Spain – suggests Real boss Rafa Benitez is also interested.

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has urged his England team-mate John Stones to join him at Stamford Bridge.

The Guardian is among a number of newspapers to quote Cahill, who moved to the Blues from Bolton in 2012, as saying Chelsea are hard to turn down.

Meanwhile, there is more speculation around Chelsea’s supposed interest in Barcelona winger Pedro.

The Daily Express, picking up on Italian press reports, suggests the Blues are to pip Liverpool and Manchester United by offering the Spain international a four-year deal. His release clause is said to be £22m.

Chelsea midfielder Nathan Ake is again being linked with a loan move to Leicester City.

Sky Sport Italia are reporting that representatives of Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah are set to open discussions with Roma.

Other reports in Italy claim Salah has already ruled out a move to Napoli, with Inter also said to be interested.


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