The Crystal Palace winger has reportedly emerged as a target for Stoke City.
Stoke City are readying a £15 million bid for Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, according to The Sun (August 3, page 55).
Stoke sold Marko Arnautovic to West Ham United last month, and the report claims manager Mark Hughes is hoping he can persuade Palace to part with Townsend as the Austrian’s replacement.
Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend
Townsend only moved to Selhurst Park from Newcastle United during last summer’s transfer window and struggled initially before tying down a regular first team place under Sam Allardyce.
The 26-year-old has appeared as a wing-back during Frank de Boer’s first pre-season as Palace manager, although it remains to be seen whether he has been earmarked for the role long-term.
Stoke would seemingly use him in his preferred role as a winger, however, and Hughes is said to be willing to go close to the club’s £18.3 million record fee – which they paid for Giannelli Imbula 18 months ago – to land him.
The Potters have also been linked with moves for Ashley Young and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlan this month, both times by The Sun.
Can Stoke prise Townsend away from Crystal Palace?
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes
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