QPR striker Charlie Austin wants Premier League return amid Tottenham Hotspur links

Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin remains keen on a move to the Premier League as he continues to be linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old opened his account in the Championship in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City but his future at Loftus Road remains uncertain.

The Daily Mail understands that Spurs are interested in a £15m bid for Austin, who scored 18 Premier League goals last season as Rangers were relegated from the top flight. Spurs have acquired the services of Clinton Njie from Lyon but manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted the club need further players.

Tottenham's need for additional resources was highlighted during the 2-2 draw with Stoke City, which saw Harry Kane's removal with an ankle problem coinciding with the second half comeback staged by Mark Hughes' side. Kane missed part of the club's pre-season preparations after playing for England in the Under-21 European Championships.

Hoops boss Chris Ramsey has already confirmed that Austin, should he leave the second tier club, will only join a team in the top half. Tottenham finished fifth in the Premier League last season, ahead of Liverpool.

Speaking to Sky Sports after scoring his first goal of the campaign against Cardiff, Austin conceded: "I don't know [about my future] to be honest. Like I've said the whole way through, I'm here to play and I'll leave that to my agent and the owners of the football club and whatever they decide will be. I'm focussed on the job in hand. Every player wants to play in the Premier League and I would be lying if I said I didn't want to be there, but I've got to work hard while I'm at QPR and try my best."

In an attempt to temper speculation regarding Austin's future and rumours of a move to Tottenham, QPR director of football Les Ferdinand says the club are hoping to agree a new contract with their prized striker. His current deal expires next summer and Ferdinand says the club wants a stable squad ahead of attempts to win promotion back to the Premier League.

"We are now into the season and want to settle our side down as quickly as possible. It's not good for the club, it's not good for Charlie — it's not good for anyone," he told the London Evening Standard. "The fans are waiting for the window to close and are hoping Charlie is still here. These things always seem to drag on, but from the club's perspective you want it resolved as quickly as possible.

"All he can do is be professional, which he was against Charlton on Saturday. He's got into this position where clubs are interested in him because he's been professional and scored goals. He can't allow himself to slip now. The price is still £15m and the only firm bid that has come in is still from Leicester. Everyone feels that bids are going to come in for him, it's just a matter of when. But if a club doesn't pay the fee, then we will offer him a new contract to get him to stay."