NUFC 'increasingly confident' of pulling off exciting double deal - but star man could be sold
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.'
https://twitter.com/NUFC360/status/1013679607487389696
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?
