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QPR boss Ramsey says it will be tough to keep Austin

Image: Charlie Austin, QPR

QPR manager Chris Ramsey says he is resigned to losing striker Charlie Austin following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Ramsey, who has been handed a new three-year deal at Loftus Road, admits it will be difficult to keep the 25-year-old who has been called into the England squad for the double-header against Republic of Ireland and Slovenia next month.

Southampton, Newcastle and Tottenham are reportedly keen on Austin who has made a huge impact in his first Premier League season, although his 17 goals were not enough to stop the Londoners dropping out of the top flight.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday's final game of the season at Leicester, Ramsey said: "I think that it will be difficult to keep hold of him.

"Goalscorers are the people that everybody wants at the end of any season but I am hoping he stays, but it would be naive of me to say that for sure he is going to be here.

"He won't go with my blessing, I want him to stay but whatever happens you have look that people have careers and journeys that they are on. They have ambitions that they want to fill. I'm sure Charlie will consider all that when he makes a decision."

Goalscorers are the people that everybody wants at the end of any season but I am hoping he stays.
Chris Ramsey

Ramsey says it is vital that QPR have a long-term strategy in place as they look to bounce back at the first attempt.

The 53-year-old, who took over an interim basis following Harry Redknapp’s shock resignation earlier this year, said: "We have to make sure we have a long-term plan in place and the club gets on steady footing, before we start launching an attack to get back in the Premier League.

"What we have to do as a club is realise that there is going to be a period of consolidation and during that time if we end up back in the Premier League - then fantastic. If we don't then we still have to make sure that the club has a long-term future and that everything stays within the margins of putting the club on a stable footing."

And he is calling on his side to put one final effort in against Leicester this weekend to avoid finishing bottom of the table.

"The players need to respect the shirt, show pride and put a shift in. We don't want to come bottom of the Premier League," he said. "We have got another game to play. We want the players to go out and show what they can do.

"I'm sure there will be some youth on show on Sunday for both teams. Leicester have achieved a fantastic feat and I'm sure they will want to finish on a positive note.

"We'll be leaving Robert Green out as we'll be taking every precaution with his concussion and Steven Caulker has shown a lot of bravery to play with an injury. He's put in a shift despite the broken hand." 

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