SURPRISE PAY CUT ANGERS QPR PLAYERS
CHARLIE AUSTIN is among a host of Queens Park Rangers players who have had their monthly wages slashed in case they leave the club next week. In an unusual cost-cutting exercise, a batch of players have had August’s pay packet reduced in case they leave before Tuesday’s 6pm transfer deadline. Players from the Loftus Road club were due to be paid yesterday, but some squad members awoke to find they were missing money — around a week’s worth — from their monthly pay. Players were not advised of the decision. It is understood that the cash was purposely deducted by the club to make sure they do not overpay anyone who leaves before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. It is assumed the club will reimburse players if they don’t leave Loftus Road. Among the players to have been affected are Austin, who has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Tottenham, and goalkeeper Rob Green, who is a target for his former club, West Ham. It is also believed that Junior Hoilett, Matt Phillips and Sandro have also had their pay reduced this month. The disgruntled players expressed their grievances to club officials yesterday. The move is part of a major cost-cutting drive by the club this summer as Rangers look to get their finances back on track. The club have moved on a number of their top earners, including Joey Barton, as they look to slash their wage bill. Rangers are facing a hefty fine for breaching Championship Financial Fair Play regulations. QPR were contacted last night but declined to comment.