Having taken over Leicester City after the end of the previous transfer window, Claude Puel did well to get the best out of the squad at his disposal, as he took the Foxes to a place in the top half of the table. He will now look to improve on the efforts from the previous season and is desperate to add some quality to the squad at King Power.
This has seen the club linked with some exciting stars recently and one player they are now interested in is Andros Townsend.
Having joined Crystal Palace from Newcastle United, after the Magpies were relegated in 2016, Townsend took no time to establish himself in the first team at Selhurst Park, standing as one of the most productive and consistent players for the side recently.
He was crucial in the Eagles staying away from the drop zone, after a less than impressive start to the previous league campaign and managed to register two goals and seven assists in 35 league starts. He was used on both wings in the midfield in a 4-4-2 system and was also effective when used up to as one of the two strikers, as Roy Hodgson had his side play to his strengths.
He has over 150 Premier League appearances in his career to add to 13 appearances for the national side, Townsend is one of the most experienced wingers in the country at the moment. He is still 26 and has a fair few years to improve on his abilities. He is a decent fit for Puel’s system, where he can play in a number of roles and is a decent acquisition for the Foxes.
Reports suggest that Palace are ready to listen to offers for the 26-year old, with the likes of Newcastle United interested in his services. The Magpies are ready to pay up to £20m to bring Townsend back to St James just 18 months after he left the club back in 2016.
But Townsend is now touted as Leicester City’s replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who is reportedly Manchester bound. The Algerian winger is expected to join Manchester City this summer, after missing out on a move to Etihad in January. The former PFA Player of the Year winner is one of the most exciting playmakers in the league and is hard to replace.
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Townsend may not be an upgrade on Mahrez but he will certainly replace him in the side and provide similar kind of creativity, albeit with contrast styles. His previous experience in England will allow him to make an immediate impact, giving Puel a chance to spend on a potential star who can replace him in the future.
At £20m, he is a decent buy for Leicester City but do you think he is the man they need at the moment?
