Crystal Palace want their money back from Newcastle for England winger Andros Townsend.
Toon boss Rafa Bentiez is desperate to be reunited with the player sold to Palace for £13million in the summer.
Benitez and Newcastle would rather agree a loan deal with an eye to a permanent deal if the Geordies return to the Premier League.
But Palace have been playing hard ball anxious to recoup all of the fee for a player who surprisingly doesn’t figure in manager Sam Allardyce’s plans as he looks to save the club from relegation.
Benitez confirms Newcastle are still pushing for Townsend transfer
A deal saver could be if Newcastle allow central defender Chancel Mbemba to leave for Selhurst Park in part exchange for Townsend.
Big Sam wants another defender and is an admirer of the Congolese international who has failed to hold down a regular place in the Toon line up.
Benitez hasn’t given up on trying to bring Everton midfielder James McCarthy to St. James’ Park. So far the Merseysiders have told Newcastle they are not prepared to do business over the Republic of Ireland international until the summer.