Newcastle United are plotting a move for Crystal Palace wide man Andros Townsend this summer. According to recent reports, the Magpies want to bring back their former player and are currently in talks with the Eagles over a potential transfer during this summer transfer period.
Some sources are now claiming that the London club are demanding a fee in the region of £18m for their prized asset and use the money generated from his sale to strengthen other areas of their squad. The 26-year-old had been a regular feature under Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park and put in a number of eye-catching displays during the course of last season which has not gone unnoticed by Newcastle.
Townsend had featured in 39 matches for Palace last season, scoring 2 goals while grabbing 9 assists in all competitions. He has previously expressed his fondness for the Magpies while looking back on his time at Tyneside which could pave the way for his return to St. James’ Park. It has also been suggested that Townsend will be a direct replacement for Matt Ritchie, who is set to complete a move to Stoke City in a £15m deal this summer.
The Englishman is exactly the kind of talent who can help the Magpies compete on all fronts next term. He has a knack for scoring and creating important goals from wide areas which could be an asset for Benitez’s side in the upcoming campaign.
Hodgson’s men had a difficult and gruelling campaign in the Premier League last term but to their credit, they still managed to attain a healthy 11th place finish in the league table. However, the Eagles needs to make some quality acquisitions to their squad this summer if they want to avoid getting themselves dragged into a relegation dogfight next year.
Retaining some of their star players such as Townsend could help them ensure their top-flight lives for another season. However, if the player wants to leave then Palace should look to move him on and bring in a suitable replacement who can bolster their frontline ahead of the new season.
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At 26, the English wide man has his prime years ahead of him which Palace could look to benefit from, in the coming years. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Townsend and whether the Eagles can keep hold of him beyond this summer.
