Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that Charlie Austin will return to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on a permanent basis this summer.

What's the latest?

In a statement posted on the QPR website, the club revealed that the 31-year-old will be linking up with Mark Warburton's side once again in the coming weeks after signing on a free transfer, following the centre-forward's release from West Bromwich Albion.

Upon completing the deal, Austin said: "I am really pleased to get it done and to be able to continue my journey here.

"With the way we finished the season – and how I feel about the club hasn't changed – I wanted to be part of it and as soon as the opportunity was available, I wanted to get this done as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, Warburton also appeared over the moon with the arrival of the striker, suggesting that his signing will help to attract further targets to west London this summer.

The 58-year-old said: "Not only does this signing help with future targets, but it also helps with current players we have at the football club – it shows we have ambition. I am absolutely delighted to have him on board."

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Austin was during his four-month loan spell at QPR last season, the fact that Amit Bhatia has secured the signing of the £1.8m-rated forward on a permanent basis is sure to have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 Championship appearances for Warburton's side, the 31-year-old scored eight goals, registered one assist and created two big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £52k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as the QPR's eighth-best performer in the second tier, as well as leaving him as the club's joint-second top league goalscorer - despite only spending half a season in west London.

And, with QPR ranking third in the Championship table since the turn of the year, the fact Austin will still be playing his football at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium next season will provide a huge boost to Warburton's hopes of mounting a promotion push with the club in their 2021/22 campaign, as well as helping to attract further signings to the Rs this summer - as the manager suggests.

As such, the signing of the centre-forward would appear to be a huge step in the right direction for QPR, who very much seem to be a club on the up at present.

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