Newcastle close in on THIRD transfer window deal

The winger is available for transfer after falling out of favour at White Hart Lane.

And Townsend, 24, is among Newcastle's transfer-window targets.

The relegation-threatened club has already signed midfield pair Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet this month.

United are understood to have now made an approach to Tottenham for Townsend.

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren refused to talk about speculation linking the club with Townsend and West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino at a Press conference today.

Asked what he could say about United's interest in the pair, McClaren said: "Absolutely nothing at all."

Townsend hasn't played a competitive senior game since late October, when he was dropped after a bust-up with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner.

The England international would cost around £12million.