St. James Park. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)St. James Park. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)
St. James Park. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)

Newcastle United transfer news: Ex-striker backs Magpies for PL reunion, Player warned to avoid Toon switch

Former Premier League striker Marcus Bent believes that a reunion between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend could be a good move for both parties.

The 29-year-old spent half a season at St. James’ Park in 2016, scoring four goals in 13 appearances before leaving for Selhurst Park.

Townsend is out of contract with the Eagles at the end of the season, however, and reports in recent days have suggested that the Toon Army could look to bring him back to the north east on a free transfer.

Speaking to Football Fancast, former Everton striker Bent argued that a move to Tyneside would be a wise one.

He said: “He’s a good squad player, he works hard. When he was at Tottenham he did really well, he was borderline England squad. He’s quick, fast, but never really seemed to lift off anywhere, it never really seemed to happen.

“There’s rumours that he might be going to Newcastle. I think Newcastle could be a good refreshment for him.

"Sometimes you need a change, but he’s a good squad player.

“He’s mature enough, wise enough and knows a lot about the game, but being out of contract he could go on a free.”

Townsend has managed just one goal and four assists in 28 top flight appearances this term.

Elsewhere, former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has urged Dion Sanderson to avoid a move to St. James’ Park this summer.

Football Insider recently reported that the Toon Army have entered the race to sign the Wolves defender, who is currently on loan with their bitter rivals in League One.

But ex-Black Cat Phillips has emphasised just how difficult it would be for the player to cross the famous divide in the north east.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Sanderson would be a very brave lad if he was to step across and play for Newcastle after playing for Sunderland.

“My advice to him would be, ‘Don’t do it!’. It would not be worth the hassle.

“It is going to be difficult for Sunderland to sign him permanently this summer but I would be very surprised if he went to Newcastle, put it that way.”

We’ve gathered the best of the rest of today’s Premier League speculation below: