Aston Villa need attacking reinforcements, and should consider challenging Newcastle United for Crystal Palace’s international winger.
News broke this morning that the Magpies are considering a swoop for Andros Townsend, with the Daily Mail claiming that Rafa Benitez wants to bring him back to St James’ Park.
There is another Championship side, however, who could benefit more from having the 25-year-old amongst their ranks.
Aston Villa have looked remarkably impotent in forward areas over recent weeks, and their cause has not been helped by Jonathan Kodjia’s participation in the African Cup of Nations, along with the sale of Rudy Gestede to Middlesbrough.
Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend in action
And Steve Bruce should consider using the money they got for Gestede, on top of whatever transfer budget they already have, and make a move for the Crystal Palace winger.
Villa have scored just five goals in their last eight league games, but it is too easy to cite the need for the club to sign a proven goalscorer to solve their problems.
They have desperately lacked creativity from midfield and out wide, with the likes of Albert Adomah and Leandro Bacuna failing to influence games in a positive manner of late.
Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend in action
And Townsend could be the ideal addition to Bruce’s squad, as they look to close the gap between them and those currently occupying the promotion play-off spots.
The 13-capped England international only moved to Selhurst Park in the summer, but has failed to make the impact that was expected of him, scoring only once and chipping in with one assist during 20 Premier League games thus far.
A change of scenery, however, and being utilised in the correct manner could see Townsend return to the player he once was.
And Aston Villa could be just the club to provide him with the platform from which to reinvigorate his career.
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