Gossip: Magpies tipped to pursue Austin, AC Milan linked with Ivanovic

A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving the area’s clubs as the January window begins….

Speculation continues over the future of Charlie Austin, with Newcastle yet again tipped to make an attempt to sign the QPR striker, while AC Milan have been linked with Branislav Ivanovic.

The Daily Mail say Newcastle, repeatedly reported to have pursued Austin last year despite not making an approach, will look to strike a deal to sign him during this month’s transfer window.

Austin plans to see out the remaining few months of his contract at Loftus Road. The Mail claim ‘the decision could be taken out of his hands.’

On Sunday, Swansea City became the latest club to be linked with Austin.

The Sunday People declared that Swansea will move for Austin and Chelsea’s Patrick Bamford, with Bafetimbi Gomis and Jonjo Shelvey tipped to leave the Welsh club.

City, currently without a manager, are said to have decided to target deals to buy Austin and sign Bamford on loan.

Newcastle and Southampton – both consistently linked with Austin in recent months – have ‘joined the chase’ to sign him, according to the Sunday Mirror, which touted Crystal Palace as the favourites to sign him.

Rangers director of football Les Ferdinand would refuse to sell for less than £12.5m, the newspaper claimed.

Meanwhile, Monday’s Daily Mirror reports that Milan want to sign Ivanovic from Chelsea this month.

And the Italian media continue to suggest that Juventus are interested in Fulham forward Moussa Dembele.