Newcastle United are in talks with Crystal Palace to secure an £18million return for former winger Andros Townsend, according to The Sun.
The newspaper report that Townsend could be set for another spell at St. James’ Park as Palace consider cashing in on the 26-year-old wide man to fund their summer spending.
The Sun claim that Townsend will replace Matt Ritchie on Tyneside, with the winger set to join Stoke in a deal worth £15million this summer.
It is said that manager Rafa Benitez was impressed with Townsend’s first spell at Newcastle, which lasted just six months after their relegation in 2015/16, and is now seeking a return for the former Tottenham trainee.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Yes, but it will not be a popular move with fans to begin with.
Townsend left the club just a matter of months after joining following their relegation, and fans have never really forgiven the dazzler for his decision to leave so soon.
However, in footballing terms, replacing Ritchie with the 26-year-old is a good move, with Townsend providing more pace and directness than the Scotland international.
This move will also see the club shell out just £3million after the funds are received for Ritchie, and that will please club bosses looking to keep costs down.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
The Sun seem to believe that Townsend is set for the move, and that would suggest that talks are at an advanced stage.
However, this one looks like it will depend on the Ritchie deal going through, and that one is yet to be completed.
It may therefore be several days before we hear anything definitive.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 5/10
