Andros Townsend off to Newcastle?

England international Andros Townsend is set to leave Crystal Palace for Newcastle United but only on a temporary basis. The Magpies are willing to re-sign their former player just six months after he left for Selhurst Park.

Townsend, 25, has emerged as a surprise target for Rafa Benitez this month as he seeks to add more experience to his side.

The Magpies were literally cruising during the early stages of the Championship, but they now face competition from the likes of Brighton, Leeds, and Reading for direct promotion.

Townsend is not a favourite under new boss Sam Allardyce, and it is said that Palace would accept the permanent sale of the player.

Nevertheless, the Premier League strugglers could be urged to accept a loan approach from Newcastle United with the option to buy at the end of the season.