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Townsend makes Toon switch

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The Magpies had two initial bids rejected by Spurs

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend on a five-and-a-half year deal.

The 24-year-old had been dropped by Spurs back in November, following an argument with team fitness coach Nathan Gardiner during a warm down after their victory over Aston Villa, featuring as an unused substitute three times this season.

Townsend hopes his move up to the north east will allow him the chance to impress England boss Roy Hodgson ahead of the European Championships in France during the summer.

Newcastle are understood to have had two approaches rejected for the 24-year-old, with an initial loan offer, before bidding ÂŁ10.5 million. It’s understood the Magpies have got the winger for ÂŁ2 million less than Spurs’ ÂŁ14 million valuation.

Townsend delight

“I’m delighted to be here.” Townsend said, after completing his medical and sealing the deal.

“Newcastle United is a fantastic club with great fans, a great stadium and great tradition. As soon as I heard Newcastle were interested in me, there was only one place I wanted to go so I can’t wait to get started.”

 And equally excited was Magpies boss Steve McClaren: “Bringing Andros to the club is a great signing.
“He is a very good talent who is a current England international and should be one for years to come, too.”
Townsend has 10 senior England caps to his name, and his move to the Premier League strugglers will give him the best opportunity to get into Hodgson’s thoughts.
“Andros is a winger with an old-fashioned style. He can play on the right or the left, is two-footed, quick, very direct and loves taking on defenders and crossing the ball.” McClaren added.

“He feels he has a lot to prove and I can’t wait to see him do that in a Newcastle shirt.”

The Magpies have fended off interest from Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Watford, with the latter having been monitoring the winger’s situation ahead of a late deadline day swoop.

Townsend’s arrival will allow Florian Thauvin to return to former club Marseille on loan, having only joined the club in the summer.

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