Manchester United Transfer News: Andros Townsend Eyed for Shock Spurs Exit

David Moyes has already pulled off one of the shock transfers of the January window in the shape of Juan Mata, but he may be planning another by raiding Tottenham for Andros Townsend.

Moyes has worn the knowing smile of a confident man ever since he landed Mata, giving the impression he has other tricks up his sleeve before the Jan. 31 11 p.m. GMT deadline.

Justin Allen of the Sun (subscription required) quotes a source, who says Moyes is a long-term fan of the Tottenham winger. The Mirror’s Chris Richards provides the details:

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Andros was one of Everton's summer targets before Moyes left.

And the impact Andros has had in the first half of this season—establishing himself at Spurs and making an instant impact for England—has not gone unnoticed.

There is a view that he is seen as a longer-term replacement for the likes of Antonio Valencia and Nani on United's flanks.

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Moyes knows he needs players who can make an instant impact at Old Trafford. United are six points outside the Champions League spots, and they have less than half a season to turn that situation around.

Townsend, like Mata, already knows the Premier League and would therefore require no settling-in period. He would also add another dimension to an attack that has scored fewer goals than any of the top four.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The Spurs man would not solve United’s greatest weakness, which is at the heart of their midfield. But Moyes has already confessed he will move for players when they become available, per Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail:

“If you asked me what I needed most, I would have said a central midfielder and a left-back,” Moyes recently said. “But sometimes you don't always get the pieces of the jigsaw at the time.”

Townsend is a winger who fits the United mould. He drives at defenders, invites challenges, and never stops attempting to get crosses and shots toward the opposition goal.

He also recently spoke out in defence of United youngster Adnan Januzaj, when a report emerged that the teenager had taken a date to Nandos:

The youngster’s England form has actually been better than his club form. Townsend was a key part of England’s World Cup qualification campaign, scoring a beauty against Montenegro:

For Tottenham he has struggled with injury and seen Aaron Lennon perform well in his right-wing role. As a result, Townsend is yet to make an appearance this year, according to Soccerbase.

Tim Sherwood would likely be loathe to lose a young, British attacking talent, whose transfer fee could skyrocket in the summer if he enjoys a strong World Cup campaign.

Spurs also have Champions League ambitions of their own, so it would make little sense to sell to a club three points beneath them in the table.

However, if Sherwood cannot guarantee Townsend first-team football ahead of the summer, he may be forced to consider the player's wishes in the dying hours of the window.