Ex-Crystal Palace forward Marcus Bent has indicated that a return to Newcastle for experienced winger Andros Townsend would be a refreshing career move.
Andros is one notable name in a core of Palace players that are out of contract in the summer and could be one familiar face to see the exit door in July.
Townsend is not a nailed-on starter in Roy Hodgson’s mind, having started in just 65% of starting XIs – rendering him as an increasingly rotational option competing with the likes of Jeff Schlupp and Jordan Ayew for space on the right wing.
Townsend himself has indicated that many out-of-contract players have been told they will have to wait until the end of the season before their situations are elucidated by the club.
The England international is reportedly on the wishlist of his former club, who he featured for in the 2015-16 season, and his potential free-agent status is an attractive prospect for a Newcastle side on a tight budget.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Bent talked up the benefits of a Newcastle move for Townsend: “He’s a good squad player, he works hard. When he was at Tottenham he did really well, he was borderline England squad. He’s quick, fast, but never really seemed to lift off anywhere, it never really seemed to happen.
“There’s rumours that he might be going to Newcastle. I think Newcastle could be a good refreshment for him. Sometimes you need a change, but he’s a good squad player.
“He’s mature enough, wise enough and knows a lot about the game, but being out of contract he could go on a free.”
Roy Hodgson, who is also out of contract, has also repeatedly reiterated that he is in no rush to announce a decision over his future as uncertainty continues to circle over Selhurst Park.
It seems a few more months of waiting awaits the Palace faithful before more clarity over who is staying and leaving SE25 emerges.
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