Newcastle are in talks with Crystal Palace to snap up their winger Andros Townsend for £18 million, according to the Sun.
The newspaper reports on their website that the Toon have held discussions with their rivals to bring back the 26-year-old to St James’ Park after they bought him two years ago, for an eight-figure fee of £18 million.
The winger was a regular in Roy Hodgson’s team last season, but the club are said to be considering selling Townsend to increase their own budget and enhance their own squad.
Current United manager Rafa Benitez was a big fan of Townsend following his first term at the club, but had to let him go after they were relegated and the Eagles were said to have triggered his £13 million release clause.
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes, absolutely. Benitez was a huge admirer of Townsend when he first played for the club after arriving from Tottenham, and a reunion for them both will benefit both parties.
The player has vital experience being a former England international, and will provide a major boost to Newcastle’s attacking threat, of which they are lacking at the moment due to quiet transfer window.
Benitez needs to add fresh talent to the squad, and Townsend fits the bill perfectly.
This is Futbol rating: 8.5/10
Likely to happen?
Yes, most definitely. A fee has been mentioned between the two parties, plus Crystal Palace are willing to sell him to boost their own transfer fund.
A move for Townsend is definitely the right choice, and he will feel comfortable playing there having already had a spell at the club.
This will be one of Benitez’s first signings of the summer, and he will soon to prove himself to be a fan favourite amongst the Newcastle faithful.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10