OPINION
Newcastle United are working off a strict transfer budget this summer, but while they have to rely on their own sales for funds to bring in new recruits, they also seem to be reliant on other clubs’ transfer business to dictate their own.
The Magpies have three new arrivals under their belt – two of those familiar faces in the shape of Martin Dubravka and Kenedy – but Rafael Benitez will no doubt be searching for more quality captures to help bolster a side who were lacking quality in depth last season.
One name who has been linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer is another former Newcastle star in the shape of Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, with the Mirror claiming on their live transfer blog (16/07, 02:53) that the Magpies are keen on snapping him up from the Eagles.
A regular at Selhurst Park last season, Roy Hodgson would have likely been reluctant to let the flyer leave the London outfit this summer – but Newcastle have been handed a boost in their hunt thanks to Palace’s own transfer business.
The Mirror claim that West Ham’s Michail Antonio is destined for a move across London to Palace for a fee of £15million, which gives Hodgson the replacement he needs to sanction Townsend’s exit from the club.
It is another case of a transfer roundabout, but with the trigger about to be pulled on one move, the rest should follow through in time, and Newcastle should have their former man back in time.