OPINION
While Premier League clubs have been splashing cash around left, right and centre, Newcastle United fans have had to wait over a decade to see their transfer record broken – so they may be feeling bitter after it was revealed who might be the man to break it.
The Magpies have chosen not to spend any more than the £16.8million which secured the capture of former Liverpool and Real Madrid hitman Michael Owen back in 2005, which has seen the club left behind by their rivals, not to mention the frustration which has built on Tyneside as a result.
Every summer brings fresh hope that the club will finally break that milestone and green light a big money deal, but despite coming close on occasion, it still stands nearly 15 years on.
Now Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves has claimed on his personal Twitter account that a return for Andros Townsend is edging close thanks to Liverpool’s impending capture of Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke, which could trigger a merry-go-round involving Matt Ritchie, Michail Antonio and Townsend, further stating that a record breaking £17million fee is on the table for the Crystal Palace winger.
Shaqiri arrives at #LFC for medical. This could kickstart the midfield-merry-go-round. Ritchie to #SCFC, Townsend to #NUFC, Antonio to #CPFC. All the latest transfer news on @SkySportsNews
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) July 13, 2018
I believe it'll be in the region of 17m https://t.co/v2oAYzMNbY
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) July 13, 2018
While Townsend was well received at St James’ Park during his short stint back in 2016, the thought that the club will be breaking their record on one of their old stars will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Toon Army, who would have wanted to see a new, exciting face take the honour.
Instead, it looks as though the 26-year-old, who left Newcastle for a reported £13million, is going to cost the club an extra £4million to re-sign him.
It does not look like a sensible bit of business and the supporters on Tyneside will not be left feeling as though those frustrations over their transfer record are over – despite a potential record swoop for Townsend.