Tigers and Toffees tracking QPR’s Charlie Austin

Next season’s top four hopes Everton (4/1) and FA Cup losing finalists Hull City (66/1 to go one better in the competition next term) are being linked with QPR striker Charlie Austin this summer.

The 24-year-old has been in fine form for the Hoops since joining last August, getting 20 goals in all competitions for them. But, with his current club facing the possibility of staying in the Championship again, a move to the top-flight could be on the cards.

QPR face Derby County in the play-off final on May 24th, but the latter are favourites to win at 7/5, with Harry Redknapp’s side priced at 19/10.

Austin, who netted both goals in the semi-final second leg 2-1 victory over Wigan, is a 4/1 chance to get a double again against the Rams, or evens to score anytime.

Although not the priority, Redknapp will perhaps feel that the only way he can hold on to his striker is by gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

Both Hull and Everton will be playing in the Europa league next season, but the latter would probably be the preferred choice if QPR were to suffer defeat against Wigan, due to their higher status.

The Toffees look likely to lose loan signing Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to go back to his parent club Chelsea, and will desperately need to replace the big Belgian.

Hull, who missed out on Austin last summer due to a failed medical after agreeing a fee, do have the likes of Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic already up front. So Steve Bruce would perhaps not be too disappointed if he misses out on the former Burnley forward again.

It seems that a number of QPR players could be on the move, whether the club get promoted or not, with Loic Remy, Adel Taarabt, Stephane Mbia, Julio Cesar and Esteban Granero likely to move on next season. Both Cesar and Remy have been reported targets of Arsenal recently.