Liverpool Transfer News: Andros Townsend Targeted Amid Manchester City Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly keen to sign Newcastle United’s Andros Townsend, with the winger said to have a £10.5 million release clause in his current contract. 

That’s according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who has stated the trigger amount came into effect after the Magpies’ relegation from the Premier League in 2015-16. As well as the Reds, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham United are all said to be keen on signing the former Tottenham Hotspur man.

Manager Jurgen Klopp wants to bring more dynamism to his team’s attack and views Townsend as fine value for money, per Cross. The England international only joined Newcastle in January, and despite a strong finish to the season personally, he was unable to help his team stay afloat in the top flight.

As noted by the 2016 UEFA European Championship Twitter feed, Townsend ended 2015-16 in form, but he was still unable to secure a spot in the England squad:

Liverpool supporters would have been thinking big in terms of recruitment this summer with Klopp at the helm and some fine performances at the back end of the campaign under his tutelage. So, looking to sign a player of Townsend’s calibre may not be the most appealing bit of business.

After all, during his time in the Premier League, Townsend has been boxed as a one-dimensional player. He’s hugely threatening when given space to dart infield from the right flank and hammer shots at goal. But if defenders can nullify that aspect of his game, there’s not too much else the former Spurs man can offer.

Bleacher Report’s Jack Lusby isn’t convinced by the reports and doesn’t rate the Newcastle man:

However, this acquisition could have its merits. The tools are obviously there with Townsend: He is quick and skilful, and he has a wonderful left foot. Klopp may feel those qualities are still malleable and that he can make the winger a better player.

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It’s something he’s done in the past with footballers. At Borussia Dortmund, it was rare to see Klopp sign players who were thoroughbred stars. Instead, the German typically targeted players who had the makings of a fine footballer but hadn’t quite put everything together in the right order. Townsend is someone who could fit that particular category.

As Daniel Storey of Football 365 noted recently, Townsend seems to have matured a lot since leaving Tottenham, too:

The Reds need some penetration from wide areas, with Jordon Ibe the only natural winger in the squad. Townsend would offer that directness, and for what is a relatively meagre amount, Liverpool may feel this is a gamble worth taking. The 24-year-old could at least be a major threat off the bench.

For the player himself, a move to Merseyside or Manchester would be tempting, but he needs to play. Townsend’s stock fell dramatically during his time at Spurs and only recovered with regular minutes at Newcastle.

If he is to leave, he must ensure it’s to a team that will give him regular football. At Liverpool or City, it’s tough to see him getting those guarantees.