Charlie Austin has an uncertain future at West Bromwich Albion as he’s been short of form and playing time this season. The 31-year-old has fallen down the pecking order since the Baggies were promoted to the Premier League and has entered the last six months of his deal.

The Athletic note that Austin came close to a departure over the summer when Cardiff City came calling and believe Albion may consider loaning him out in January to shave money off the wage bill. West Brom have exhausted their resources but Sky Sports say Sam Allardyce wants to make three signings this month.

The only option for Albion is to move on existing players that aren’t commanding a starting place.

Austin joined the Baggies on a two-year deal from Southampton in 2019 and has gone on to make 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and supplying two assists. He featured prominently in the Championship last season but has only amassed 89 minutes of Premier League football this campaign.

If the 6ft 2in striker is loaned out, he’s unlikely to garner top-flight interest. Austin is on the periphery at a relegation-threatened Premier League club, so a Championship move is the best he can hope for. Time will tell if Albion make him available and if a deal materialises, however.