According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are ‘increasingly confident’ of being able to pull off the signings of Kenedy AND Andros Townsend this summer – however Matt Ritchie would almost certainly be sold if we were to fund a deal for the latter.
It had been suggested recently that Townsend was a back-up option if Benitez failed in his attempts to sign Kenedy, however the Echo are claiming that we’re pursuing BOTH.
Neither would come cheap, therefore it seems as though Matt Ritchie would almost certainly have to be sold to make a deal for the Chelsea and Palace duo possible.
Here’s what the Echo’s Scott Wilson has had to say on the situation today – confirming that Benitez wants Townsend AND Kenedy, not one or the other:
‘Newcastle have set their sights on a double deal for Kenedy and Andros Townsend this summer – and are increasingly confident of being able to land the wing duo.
‘Talks with Chelsea over Kenedy have been ongoing all summer, and there is growing confidence within St James’ Park that the Blues will agree to a deal.
‘Whether that is a loan or a permanent transfer remains to be seen, although Newcastle’s recruitment team are understood to be pushing for a season-long loan with a locked-in buy-out clause for next summer.
‘Talks with Crystal Palace over Townsend have faltered over a fee, but there is increased hope of a compromise that will see the England international return to St James’ Park.
‘Newcastle value Townsend at around £18m – the Magpies banked £13m when he moved to Selhurst Park two years ago – whereas Palace began the summer valuing the 26-year-old at £30m.
‘However, there has been a degree of movement on both sides in the last seven days, and it is hoped an agreement can be reached.
‘Newcastle will partially fund their planned double deal through the sale of Matt Ritchie, with Stoke and Bournemouth leading the chase for the Scotland international.’
#NUFC want to sign Kenedy and Andros Townsend this summer, and are willing to sanction the departure of Matt Ritchie if it enables them to land the wing duo. [Northern Echo]
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) July 2, 2018
I would be sad to see Ritchie go, but I can’t say I’d be disappointed if we started to season with Kenedy and Townsend out wide.
Would you cash in on Ritchie if it enabled us to sign these two?
As much as I like Ritchie, the idea of Kenedy and Townsend on the wings is an exciting prospect. Ritchie’s last quarter of the season, where he excelled, did cover the cracks of the other part, where he was anonymous and frequently left Yedlin unprotected.
Tough choice, but if Rafa gets the performance he got from Townsend first time around then I’d bite the bullet and take it.
Bobbybee(Quote)
I thought the priority was a striker
E Hodgson(Quote)
With those two potentially on the wings… Keeping Mitro would make sense, having a battering ram knocking in the crosses IMHO.
Dondatta13(Quote)
Surely, Mitro has made his statement of intent and woUldale obviously not giving 100% in black and white stripes.
Unless as usual, everything in the press is a crock, and he actually intends coming back.
Who knows until the fat lady sings.
Porciestreet(Quote)