After being relegated with Newcastle last season, Crystal Palace are reportedly in talks to bring Townsend back to the Premier League by triggering his $15 million release clause.
Still just 24-years-old, Townsend has already played for 11 different clubs in England. After coming up through the Tottenham youth system, the winger went on nine loan spells before breaking into the Spurs’ first team in 2013. However, a spat with a trainer during practice led to his dismissal last season, eventually being sold to Newcastle in the January transfer window.
Townsend was included in England’s provisional roster for EURO 2016, but was one of the last players cut when manager Roy Hodgson chose the final 23-man squad.
The speedy winger scored four goals in 13 appearances for Newcastle last season, including the game-winner against Crystal Palace in late April. It is reported that Palace would be willing to pay Townsend weekly wages of more than $100,000 to secure a move to Selhurst Park.
Townsend would be a huge boost to a Crystal Palace attack that scored just 39 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season. With Townsend on one wing and Yannick Bolasie on the other, Palace could cause matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.