An array of familiar names is set to part ways with Crystal Palace this summer as free agents. A major rebuilding is on the cards at Selhurst Park and one of their most prominent stars in recent years could still be a part of a transition away from South London. In a recent interview with TalkSPORT (as claimed by the Daily Record), England international Andros Townsend has kept his option open over a potential summer switch to Celtic or Rangers.
“I’m open to everything. If there’s an option that presents itself and it’s the best one for me and fulfils my needs, I wouldn’t turn it down just because it’s in another country.”
Revealed the 29-year-old when asked about a move north of the border.
The Hoops are set to undergo a phase of reconstruction under new boss Ange Postecoglou. The low-key appointment caused mixed reactions among the fans, particularly after Eddie Howe’s decision to turn down the offer. But the show must go on and the philosophy of the former Socceroos chief is gradually gaining attention among the Parkhead faithful.
Why The Bhoys Should Secure His Services
Having said that, Celtic require significant reinforcements to deal with a potential mass exodus. A few of their first-team stars are keen on a fresh challenge elsewhere, whereas the fringe and forgotten names might not restore the lost pride irrespective of their pre-season performance prior to next month’s Champions League qualifier versus Midtjylland. They need a few players who could make a difference with their expertise and Townsend, considering his profound Premier League experience, would be a massive coup to restore parity in the attacking third.
The Englishman progressed through the youth ranks of Spurs and went on to make 93 senior appearances for the Lilywhites. He had a number of loan spells across divisions before being roped in by Newcastle United in January 2016. But his time at Tyneside was short-lived as he joined Palace a few months later following the Magpies’ relegation to the Championship.
The attacker has spent five seasons with the Eagles and fired in 16 times in 186 appearances across competitions. His numbers may not be as high as they should be while featuring from the wide, but his pace, cut insides and directness often troubled the big guns of the English game for all these years. Celtic might lose Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Ryan Christie in the coming days, but the addition of Andros Townsend on a Bosman would certainly be a shrewd piece of business.
