Newcastle transfer news: Steve McClaren interested in Charlie Austin and Juanmi with Andy Carroll return reported to be on the cards

Austin is likely to leave QPR following their relegation while Juanmi has a release clause in his Malaga contract

Malaga forward Juanmi (Getty Images)

Newcastle could look to make up lost time in the transfer market now that new manager Steve McClaren has been appointed, with moves for QPR's Charlie Austin and Malaga's Juanmi.

The Magpies near-miss with relegation last season saw their Premier League fate go down to the wire, only for a final day victory over West Ham help them to safety as Hull could only muster a draw against Manchester United.

Now that the club have secured their status in the top flight and replaced John Carver with former England manager McClaren – who was sacked by Derby after missing out on the Championship play-off – it appears they will focus all of their attentions to bringing players in this summer.

McClaren is eager to boost his attacking options, and the Daily Mail report that the Magpies are already launching moves for Austin and Juanmi.

Austin is expected to leave QPR this summer, with the 25-year-old proving he has the quality to play in the Premier League last season as he finished the campaign with the fourth highest goal tally with 18 to his name.

It’s reported that Austin has already been earmarked as a priority signing in order to get Newcastle back among the goals.

Malaga’s Juanmi has a £5.5m release clause in his contract and with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley claiming that he’ll invest in the squad this summer, the Premier League side could look to activate it in order to begin official talks with the 22-year-old Spanish forward.

Juanmi made his Spain debut against the Netherlands this year (Getty Images)

However, it’s believed that Newcastle are also believed to have identified two other transfer targets should they fail in their attempts to land either Austin or Juanmi, with the club also believed to be keeping a close eye on West Brom’s Saido Berahino and a surprising return move for West Ham’s Andy Carroll.

Newcastle-born Carroll left the Magpies for Newcastle in a British record £35m transfer in January 2011, only to leave the Reds when he realised he was surplus to requirements at Anfield and join the Hammers.

Carroll has been linked with a return to Newcastle (Getty Images)

The 26-year-old suffered an injury ravaged season though, and with doubts lingering over his long-term fitness given is persistent ankle injuries, any move for Carroll would be deemed a gamble.