CHARLIE IS STAYING IN THE PREM

CHARLIE AUSTIN will be a man in demand if Southampton fail to beat the drop.

Bournemouth, Leicester and Aston Villa are among the clubs keeping tabs on Southampton’s situation.

Saints are third-bottom with seven games to go and will struggle to hold on to Austin – still Saints’ top scorer despite missing three months with a hamstring injury – if they are relegated. Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe wanted Austin (above) when he was playing for non-league Poole Town.

With Benik Afobe poised to rejoin Wolves if they are promoted, and interest in Callum Wilson and Josh King, space for a new striker could emerge at the Vitality Stadium.

Austin, 28, worked under current Leicester boss Claude Puel at Southampton last season.