Charlie Austin has joined Southampton from QPR for £4m, it was announced this afternoon.

The England striker was one of the stars of last season scoring 18 goals in his maiden top-flight season.

The 26-year-old's efforts was not enough to help the west Londoners retain their Premier League status and he now joins Southampton for a cut-price fee.

The move now paves the wave for Shane Long to exit the club, with reports emerging this week that the Ireland striker may join Liverpool.

Long, who has struggled to break into the starting eleven ahead of Graziano Pelle, may make the trip to Merseyside and increase his chances for first team football ahead of Euro 2016.