Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is confident of finally making a transfer breakthrough this week – with Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend his number one priority.
A difficult start to life back in London has resulted in Townsend being made available for transfer by Palace – just six months after he signed a five-year deal. Rafa Benitez has been alerted by his situation and placed the 25-year-old at the top of his January wish-list.
The only stumbling block which could prevent Benitez and Townsend reuniting this window is Crystal Palace’s demands, The Chronicle state.
Sam Allardyce is open to Townsend’s exit and the Eagles are said to be warming to the prospect of a loan deal including an obligatory future fee – after initially holding out for a permanent move. What the future fee will be and what terms will need to be met for it to be activated – such as promotion or number of appearances – could prove to be a sticking point.
Benitez has frequently reiterated his stance on January transfer business, insisting he will not be held to ransom and pay the January premium for players as his squad is in good enough shape to meet their targets.
Townsend has netted just once in 23 appearances for the Eagles this campaign, but he enjoyed a much more successful spell under Benitez towards the tail end of last season – scoring three and assisting two in ten Premier League games.
