By support

1st Jul, 2018 | 7:45am

Newcastle in talks to bring explosive winger back to club, 26-y/o will cost £18m - report

Newcastle United are in talks to buy winger Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace, according to a report.

The Sun claim that Rafael Benitez is keen to reunite with the former Toon winger, who was sold to Palace in July 2016 for £14million.

The report reveals that the Magpies are locked in talks for the 26-year-old’s signature and will pay £18million to bring him back to St. James Park.

Townsend was a regular for Roy Hodgson’s side last season, making 39 appearances in all competitions and providing an impressive nine assists for his teammates (TransferMarkt).

Sports Insider verdict:

This would be a great signing for Newcastle United and would almost certainly leave their relegation rivals weaker in the process. Townsend performed well for the Toon in his previous spell and was a shining light in an otherwise poor team, who got relegated from the Premier League in 2015/16, so it makes sense that Rafael Benitez is happy to be reunited with the former Spurs winger. This also seems to confirm that the 26-year-old may be a replacement for Matt Ritchie, who has been linked with a move away in recent days, but the England international would have to be considered an upgrade in that department. It’s also a great fee for an English player with flair and speed, who’s got good delivery from wide areas and an excellent shot from range. All in all, this is a wise bit of transfer business from Mike Ashley and Benitez will be glad that he can reintegrate the winger back into his team, after losing him two years ago.

In other Newcastle United news, the club have made a bid for Juventus’ Italian international midfielder.

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