Newcastle United were linked with Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend throughout January.
Newcastle United may have missed out on signing Andros Townsend in January, but his move to St. James’ Park in the summer is surely inevitable.
Newcastle spent the whole of January trying to bring Townsend in from Crystal Palace, but were unable to get a deal over the line (Chronicle).
McClaren responds when asked if he was shocked by recent Ashley decision at Newcastle
The Magpies wanted to sign Townsend on loan, with a view to making the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
However, Palace were only interested in allowing the England international to go on a permanent deal.
Palace wanted a cash injection, which would have enabled them to strengthen their squad further in January.
Newcastle were not willing to sanction that deal, much to Benitez’s frustration, and ended up failing to complete a transfer in January.
Benitez responds when asked if he’s spoken to Mike Ashley after deadline day
It still seems almost inevitable now that Townsend will end up at Newcastle in the near future, though.
Benitez has made no secret of his desire to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur man, and if the Magpies are promoted, the winger will surely be one of the first names on his wishlist.
Townsend has struggled to impress at Palace, and unless something drastic changes at Selhurst Park, the skilful wide man will surely be classed as expendable in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle may have shown signs of weakness in recent weeks, but they still appear to be in a very strong position to be promoted – and Townsend has proven he can make an impact in the Premier League during his first spell on Tyneside.
Townsend may have been the one that got away for Newcastle in January, but it is surely only a matter of time before he ends up back at St. James’ Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
