Crystal Palace confirm £13m Townsend signing

Andros Townsend: Signed for Palace

Andros Townsend: Signed for Palace

Crystal Palace have signed Newcastle winger Andros Townsend for £13million after just five months on Tyneside.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park after Palace triggered the former Spurs man’s release clause in his Magpies contract.

Southampton, West Ham United and Watford had all been chasing Townsend, who joined the Magpies for £12million in January from Tottenham.

The England international made 12 Premier League starts for Newcastle and scored four goals, but he could not prevent Rafa Benitez’s side from being relegated into the Championship.

Earlier this month the Daily Mirror claimed Townsend had told the relegated Magpies he was happy to remain at the club and would resist a move elsewhere, but that has proved incorrect.

Palace forward Dwight Gayle has moved the other way for £10million in a separate deal.

And Benitez is close to signing Bournemouth midfielder Matt Ritchie in a £12m deal.