But HITC Sport understands they do have other options.
Newcastle United are continuing talks with Crystal Palace over Andros Townsend, HITC Sport understands.
HITC Sport understands that Palace chief Sam Alladryce is eager to move Townsend on, as the pair have not seen eye-to-eye since he arrived at Selhurst Park.
Townsend, 25, joined Palace in the summer in a £13million deal following Newcastle’s relegation from the Premier League. That move came just six months after he arrived at St. James’ Park in a £12million move from Tottenham Hotspur.
Towsend shone during his brief stint with Newcastle and Rafa Benitez wants him back at the club, and HITC Sport understands that owner Mike Ashley and transfer chief Graham Carr have both given the green light to his return.
Andros Townsend scores for Newcastle
Newcastle do want to take him back on a permanent basis, but would rather a loan deal first before a summer switch, and it is these details that are holding things up.
Indeed the Magpies will be prepared to wait to re-sign the player, but Palace – with a number of other targets in mind this month – want the deal done before next Tuesday’s deadline.
Benitez wants to add another winger to his squad this month and once Townsend’s availability emerged, he was always the number one target and remains so.
However, HITC Sport can confirm they are looking at other loan options across Europe, and have asked Swansea about Modou Barrow and his team-mate Jefferson Montero.
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