It is looking increasingly likely that Andros Townsend will call time on his Crystal Palace stay this January, just months after arriving at Selhurst Park in a £13million switch.
Andros arrived at Selhurst Park from Newcastle United in the summer, but after a difficult start to life back in London, a return to Tyneside just six months into his five-year deal is now on the cards.
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is keen on adding Townsend to his ranks this month as Newcastle look to continue their promotion push and has made the 25-year-old his number one target. Money is said to be there ‘for the right deal’, but it is a loan deal – not permanent – that is looking most likely.
It was thought at first that Palace would only allow Townsend to leave permanently this month, but, according to The Chronicle, a compromise can be reached. A loan deal with an obligatory future fee, based on either appearances or Newcastle’s promotion to the Premier League, is likely to be said compromise.
In his pre-match press conference, ahead of Newcastle’s Championship clash with Rotherham United, Benitez told reporters he remains confident of a breakthrough in the transfer market.
“I was talking with Lee (Charnley) beforehand and said ‘listen they will ask me in the press conference about transfers’ but it is the same situation,” Benitez said.
“We are talking with players and agents and just waiting. It has to be the right one but I have confidence that we can do something.”
