Mags keen on reunion with £13m Townsend

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez would like to be reunited with Andros Townsend – but Crystal Palace are reluctant to loan the winger.

Townsend left St James’s Park only last summer in the a £13million deal. But the 25-yearold has struggled for form at Selhurst Park and Palace boss Sam Allardyce could be willing to sell the England international, who was signed by Alan Pardew, his predecessor.

Championship leaders Newcastle, however, are predominantly looking taking players on loan.

They could propose a half-season loan for Townsend with a view to a permanent deal.

Owner Mike Ashley – who has had a number of discussions about transfer policy with the club’s hierarchy – has reservations about spending big in this month’s transfer window, though Benitez is looking to strengthen his midfield.

The Spaniard has been working through a list of targets with managing director Lee Charnley.

The Tynesiders host basement club Rotherham United at St James’s Park tomorrow looking to strengthen their position at the top of the division.

Second-top Brighton face a tough task at home to Sheffield Wednesday tonight.

TheMagpies’postponed Championship fixture at Brighton – originally scheduled for next weekend, when both sides are on FA Cup duty – has been set for Tuesday, February 28.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must learn to find their clinical edge, according to full-back DeAndre Yedlin.

The American helped seal a 3-1 cup victory over Birmingham on Wednesday, though the Blues were only killed off by Matt Ritchie’s 90th-minute strike.

Yedlin said: “I think we can still do a bit better job putting the game awayk.

“We need to do it earlier, although I think it was a good performance.

“We came out and got on the front foot and scored two early goals.

“We just need a little bit more game management and I think with that it would have been a top, top performance.”