Charlie Austin? Could be bostin...

Reports from Lancashire suggest that Paul Lambert may be targeting Burnley striker Charlie Austin.

With Darren Bent looking increasingly likely to be on the move, an offer for the Clarets’ top scorer and player of the year looks to be a possibility ahead of the final year of his contract.

Lambert is understood to have watched the 23-year-old while he was in charge of Norwich City and believes an offer of £4 million could be enough to tempt the Turf Moor board to sell.

Austin's signature will be hotly contested with Celtic, Newcastle and newly promoted Hull City all weighing up bids for the ex-Swindon Town goal machine.

Di Canio's Sunderland have also expressed an interest in Austin, who ended the 2012/13 campaign with 28 goals.

Burnley have yet to receive an official approach for their star striker, who has just one year remaining on his contract.