Monday 28 January 2019 15:38, UK
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl admits it is "a possibility" that Charlie Austin will leave the club before the transfer window shuts.
The 29-year-old striker has started just two league games since the Austrian replaced Mark Hughes at the beginning of December and, according to Sky sources, Southampton are listening to offers.
Speaking ahead of the game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Hasenhuttl said: "Sometimes you get to a point when you as a club can't give a player what he expects us to give him so in this situation we are trying to find a win-win situation for both sides.
"I think he has played two times from the beginning since I have been here. He is a fantastic striker who can score for every team.
"He is 100 per cent professional, he shows the team that if we need him he is here.
"But like every player he wants to start from the beginning and if there is not the option here in Southampton then maybe he will be looking for another club where he has this option.
"Then we have to talk about these things. We don't send any player away but if there is a different option for him it can be he is an option for another club."
Hasenhuttl has made no secret that he wants to trim his first-team squad.
Manolo Gabbiadini left the club this month with Wesley Hoedt, Steven Davis and Cedric all sent out on loan.
The Saints boss says he would be happy to keep hold of Austin but he is sure there will be plenty of interest in the next few days.
"Absolutely, he is an interesting player for sure for a lot of clubs," added Hasenhuttl. "We have four or five players for the two striking positions and I think we have a lot of options for these two positions and there are also other players who can play up front.
"It can be a possibility that he is leaving but if not then I am happy that he is here and helping us to face our targets."
