Chelsea transfer rumours: Blues target QPR striker Charlie Austin

Chelsea are considering a move in signing Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, according to ESPN.

The 25-year-old scored 18 goals and managed five assists in 35 league appearances for QPR during the 2014/15 season. Despite his individual form, the frontman failed to help his side avoid relegation to the Championship.

Austin's club form has earned him a place in Roy Hodgson's squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers. He was the unused substitute during the Three Lions' goalless draw in a friendly fixture against Republic of Ireland.

The Premier League champions have already lost Didier Drogba after the veteran striker confirmed his departure from Stamford Bridge for the second time. Jose Mourinho has admitted that signing a striker is a priority in the summer transfer window.

Drogba's exit has left the former Real Madrid manager with Diego Costa and Loic Remy as the only two strikers in the squad. The Brazil-born Spain international has struggled with injuries, despite impressing in his debut season in England.

Chelsea are likely to face competition from Premier League clubs in signing the Hoops star. The same report also claims Newcastle United, Southampton and Aston Villa are interested in signing him.

Austin is currently on international duty preparing for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers. QPR striker has admitted that he will meet his manager Chris Ramsey and the club director Les Ferdinand to decide his future at Loftus Road.

"I feel like I've worked hard enough this season for QPR to try to be a Premier League player, but at the moment I've still got a year left at QPR, so what the future holds, that's up to the club and my agent to sort out," Austin said.

"I'll speak to [manager] Chris Ramsey and [director of football] Les Ferdinand and tell them my thoughts and they'll tell me their thoughts.

"After these two weeks, I'll sit down with the club, but I just want to be fully focused on these next two weeks with England," he added.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also linked with a move in signing Radamel Falcao. The AS Monaco striker wants to continue in the Premier League after a disappointing loan spell at Manchester United.