Newcastle looking to bring winger back to St. James’ Park

Newcastle are pushing for a loan move for former winger Andros Townsend, reports the Guardian. 

Townsend has struggled for consistency following his switch to Crystal Palace last summer, yet has been a first team regular having started 17 of 21 league fixtures for the Eagles. 

Sam Allardyce is willing to sanction a return to St. James’ Park this month and with Rafa Benitez keen on bringing the England international back to Newcastle, a move is certainly possible. 

However, a potential stumbling block is Newcastle’s desire for a loan move, which could then be made permanent in the summer. 

Palace are keen on recouping most, if not all of, the £13m they spent to secure Townsend’s services at the end of last season, which Newcastle are reluctant to pay unless they can secure promotion. 

The same report, though, states that Palace are set to pay a £3m instalment to Newcastle this month as part of last summer’s move, which the Magpies could waive and use as a loan fee before completing the deal for £10m at the end of the season. 

Allardyce is thought to be a big fan of Townsend, but the 25-year-old has struggled for form, leading to reports linking the Eagles with moves for Robert Snodgrass and Stewart Downing. 

Townsend left his mark on the Magpies, with his WhoScored rating for Newcastle last season (7.35) better than any other teammate.

For more stats on Andros Townsend, click here to view his WhoScored player page