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Chancel Mbemba: If loaning the defender helps land Townsend, do it.

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Chancel Mbemba of Newcastle United (18) looks to pass the ball during the EFL Cup Fourth Round Match between Newcastle United and Preston North End at St.James' Park on October 25, 2016 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Chancel Mbemba of Newcastle United (18) looks to pass the ball during the EFL Cup Fourth Round Match between Newcastle United and Preston North End at St.James' Park on October 25, 2016 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) /
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According to reports, Crystal Palace may be more willing to give Andros Townsend to Newcastle United, if the Magpies send Chancel Mbemba their way.

In case you weren’t aware, Newcastle United is interested in bringing former Magpies winger Andros Townsend back to the club. It’s also old news that negotiations have not progressed smoothly between NUFC and Crystal Palace, the club Townsend bolted for after Newcastle’s relegation in 2016.

It’s rumored a major hold up is that Newcastle wants to loan Townsend, then likely make it a permanent move this summer. Palace manager Sam Allardyce explained that they are reluctant to loan players out, because teams won’t loan Palace any players this window. That doesn’t bode well for NUFC’s plan. However, reports today stated Allardyce and Palace have an interest in bringing in Magpies’ defender Chancel Mbemba on loan. Loaning him out may very well be the final domino needed to bring Townsend back to Tyneside.

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If just a loan to finish this season of Mbemba is all it takes, Newcastle would be wise to pull the trigger. Townsend fills a need, and he’s already familiar with the club. Mbemba has not been a consistent choice at all for Rafa Benitez this season, and could use some playing time with Crystal Palace in the Premier League to get his confidence back. Defense is one of the few areas on Newcastle’s roster with depth.

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If Allardyce is requiring a loan with a buy clause for Mbemba, that changes the whole equation. Currently away on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations, the 22 year old defender is a legitimate, international level player. He was great last year for Newcastle, and has boat loads of potential. The price would have to be extravagant to lose a player of that age and skill set.

Hopefully, the clubs can come to terms on a loan swap, and everyone wins. If not, Newcastle United can make another run at Townsend on their way to the Premier League, which may or not feature Crystal Palace, as they battle relegation.