QPR striker Charlie Austin remains a top target of Crystal Palace ahead of the January transfer window, according to the Express.

Despite producing a fine run of results in the Premier League this season to move to fifth in the table – ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea – goals have been a problem for Alan Pardew’s side.

Palace’s last two results – goalless stalemates against Swansea and Bournemouth – have reiterated the club’s need for attacking reinforcements when the transfer window reopens next week.

MORE: Pardew hails 'brilliant' Palace players ahead of Chelsea clash

Pardew has been forced to operate without the services of Yannick Bolasie, Dwight Gayle, Connor Wickham, Bakary Sako and Patrick Bamford, who last week terminated his loan contract at Selhurst Park.

The Palace boss has admitted his desire to recruit a striker next month, and the Express report that prolific goal-scorer Austin remains a top target.

Austin, 26, who has 10 goals in 16 Championship games so far this season, was strongly linked with a summer move and is widely expected to leave Loftus Road when the window reopens.

West Ham, Everton and Newcastle were all reportedly interested in a deal for Austin and a host of Premier League clubs are said to be weighing up a bid for the former Burnley star.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt