Andros Townsend’s on-off return to Newcastle United is back on judging by the latest news from Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.
Keith understands Crystal Palace are open to Townsend rejoining Newcastle on loan this window, but only if they receive something in return. The clubs are currently locked in talks regarding a potential loan-swap deal involving DR Congo international Chancel Mbemba.
Mbemba was one of the few positives Newcastle fans could take away from what was an extremely disappointing campaign which resulted in relegation to the Championship. In his debut Premier League season, the 22-year-old impressed and became Newcastle’s first choice centre-half – under both Steve McClaren and Rafa Benitez.
His second season with the Magpies started as many expected, with Chancel as Rafa’s preferred partner for club captain Jamaal Lascelles at the back, but he has since slipped down the pecking order. Ciaran Clark and Lascelles are now the regular starting partnership at the back.
Mbemba – a player with huge potential, much better suited to the Premier League – would benefit from game time, making a potential loan away a viable option to Benitez. Whether Palace will push for an option to buy to be included in the deal is currently yet to be seen.
