QPR striker Charlie Austin will not be 'pinched', says Hasselbaink

Austin has one goal in his last six outings for QPR

Charlie Austin will not be "pinched" from QPR in the January transfer window, says the club's new manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The 26-year-old former Swindon and Burnley striker has six months left on his current deal and has been linked with several Premier League clubs.

"You don't pinch. He's not going to be pinched," said Hasselbaink.

"I'm looking forward to working with Charlie, and I'm looking forward to working with everyone else as well."

Former Chelsea forward and Burton Albion manager Hasselbaink has taken over at QPR with the Loftus Road club three points off the play-off places but 13 behind the automatic promotion slots.

"Charlie Austin is a very important individual at this club," added Hasselbaink, who has yet to discuss his own transfer targets for January as he assesses his squad.

"But it's a team game. I want to have a team. I don't want individuals. You need a team and eventually teams win you titles. Individuals win just the game.

"We need to hit the ground with both feet, not one, and concentrate on a Saturday, and the league will take care of itself. That's the easiest way, and that's the best way."