Crystal Palace have signed Andros Townsend from Newcastle United for a sum of £13 million.
Palace triggered the release clause in the Newcastle United winger’s contract undergoing his medical at the Premier League club yesterday and the move was confirmed by Newcastle this morning.
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The 24-year-old winger who scored 4 goals in 13 appearances for relegated club Newcastle, has attracted attention from other Premier League sides West Ham and Southampton but is now open to a move to Selhurst Park. The deal will see Townsend sign on for a four-year contract and will become Palace’s record signing.
This news may come as a shock to many Newcastle fans after the Magpies looked to hold onto the winger, to see him become a permanent figure in Rafa Benitez’s new and exciting championship squad.
Benitez originally held positive talks with Townsend concerning his place at Newcastle, furthered by the club preparing to increase his weekly wages. But by triggering his release clause, Palace seem to have got their hands on a top player.
Whilst the departure of Townsend is not the news Newcastle fans wanted to hear the arrival of Dwight Gayle, who would be leaving Crystal Palace in a separate deal to Townsend’s, to Tyneside is good news.
This move would see the Palace striker sign for an initial fee of £8.5 million and become an exciting player wearing black and white. Gayle scored 7 goals in 20 appearances for Palace in all competitions last season and is a widely respected striker.
Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony commented that Newcastle united have made the “signing of the summer” in Dwight Gayle.
Again in a separate deal Bournemouth winger, Matt Richie is due for his medical at St James’ this morning. With the Scottish international set to sign a five-year contract with Newcastle, for a reported fee in the region of £11 million.
