Case of trowel n error over Austin

And if Los Blancos aren’t careful, they could be pushing him towards the exit door.

Their interest in Manchester United keeper David de Gea – as revealed today by my colleague Steve Bates – is very real.

And Bale would be a more than useful option should United decide to call time on Radamel Falcao’s stay at Old Trafford

Not signing the Colombian full time would represent a £44million saving – money that could be used in any deal that saw de Gea move back to Madrid.

Moreover, would Manchester City be able to manipulate their figures to be able to afford him?

Arsenal could, obviously, given their cash pile.

But crossing the north London divide may be a step too far.

No, while outwardly all seems calm, the indications are that it is anything but.

And if it doesn’t work out in the Spanish capital, Gareth, please come home – we’ll look after you, even if y our supposed friends won’t. MY brother, formerly a quantity surveyor, used to tell me of his early professional difficulties on site in dealing with bricklayers and other tradesmen.

They would down tools and move to another job if there was the prospect of earning £10 a day more somewhere else.

Obviously, an understandable position if you are the one with the trowel in your hand. And an unwanted problem if you are trying to run a job without workers.

But if QPR think former bricklayerturned-goalgetter Charlie Austin is going to commit himself on the cheap to Loftus Road, then they can think again.

He may have 12 months left on his current deal. But Austin (above), for one, probably won’t need the help of his representatives to know his value in the marketplace.

Doubtless, he will have discovered that for himself a while ago.