Rumoured Reading target Charlie Austin is a free agent again after cutting his time in Australia short due to family reasons.

The former QPR and Southampton striker was a reported target in the summer having left the R's, but opted to head 'Down Under' to join Brisbane Roar.

Scoring five goals in 10 matches, the 32-year-old had a prolific start to life in the A-League, but he needs to be back in the UK to support his daughter in her exam period.

Speaking to the club, Austin said: “It was a tough decision; football is a selfish career…and I made a selfish decision to try something new to come over here, give a new experience to the wife and kids.

“We’ve enjoyed our time here however our eldest daughter is back home going through exams, and I just feel for myself and for the family the best thing to go back to the UK.”

Reading currently have four first team strikers, however fellow former Premier League star Andy Carroll's deal expires next month.

With a full squad of 25 already, players will need to be removed from the squad before any more can be added.

Austin scored seven championship goals last campaign for QPR.