Andros Townsend has admitted he would be “open” to joining Scottish giants Celtic or Rangers with his Crystal Palace contract due to expire at the end of the month, speaking to talkSPORT (21 June, 12pm).
Now, before we all get carried away about the prospect of an England international moving north of the border, it must be said this wasn’t a subject Townsend brought up himself.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle winger was certainly put on the spot by talkSPORT host Jim White and, as footballers often do when they find themselves in a rather awkward position, the 29-year-old attempted to give as little away as possible while refusing to commit himself either way.
Townsend did admit, however, he would be intrigued by the prospect of trying his hand outside the Premier League having spent his entire professional career located somewhere between West Yorkshire and Somerset.
Could Andros Townsend join Celtic or Rangers?
“I’m open to everything,” Townsend said when asked about a potential move to Ibrox or Parkhead.
“If there’s an option that presents itself and it’s the best one for me and fulfils my needs, I wouldn’t turn it down just because it’s in another country.”
Townsend, who previously admitted clubs in Turkey had shown an interest, is due to become a free agent on 1 July.
His contract will expire and Crystal Palace – a club in transition without a manager in place – have yet to table an extension.
Whether Rangers or Celtic would be tempted to make an approach for a man who set the Eagles back a cool £16 million remains to be seen.
Celtic may feel Townsend, a superb crosser of the ball with a devilish dead ball in his locker, would be an ideal partner for the incoming Charlie Wyke.
Rangers, meanwhile, appear to have made a new winger one of their top priorities with Carlos Mendes Gomes, Santiago Moreno and Bright Osayi-Samuel all linked.
Townsend, however, doesn’t exactly fit Steven Gerrard’s preferred approach, one that revolves around talented, up-and-coming youngsters boasting substantial resale potential.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
