Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has commented on the rumours linking Andros Townsend with a return to Newcastle.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce has told the Daily Mail that a deal to send Andros Townsend to Newcastle United in January was never on the cards.
The Eagles swooped to land Townsend from Newcastle last summer, after watching him hit four goals and two assists in 13 appearances following a January 2016 move from Tottenham Hotspur.
Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend looks dejected
Having impressed with the Magpies, particularly under Rafael Benitez, many expected Townsend to take his form to Selhurst Park, and re-establish himself in the Premier League.
However, Townsend has barely made an impact for the Eagles this season, notching just one goal and two assists in 23 Premier League appearances.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce
His disappointing start to life at Selhurst Park prompted rumours about his future during the January transfer window, with Newcastle keen to take him back to Tyneside as the chase promotion back to the Premier League.
Unfortunately for Benitez and the Magpies, a deal for Townsend couldn’t be completed before last Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with Sky Sports reporting that the move fell through.
Townsend was left on the bench for Palace’s Premier League clash with Sunderland on Saturday afternoon, and came on for Damien Delaney at half time as he looks to salvage his Palace career.
Now, manager Sam Allardyce has told the Daily Mail that there was never any chance of Townsend leaving anyway, as Palace were never going to strike a loan deal with Newcastle – and added that his long-term future is at Selhurst Park despite suggestions that the Magpies could return with a new move in the summer.
Report: Newcastle hoping to sell three loaned out players at the end of the season
“Never. Not ever,” said Allardyce.”The only interest was a loan from Newcastle which was never going to happen. His long term future is with Palace,” he added.
Would you like to see Newcastle make another move for Townsend this summer?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
