Andros Townsend is surprise target for Liverpool and Manchester City as release clause is revealed to be just £10.5million
Newcastle winger's impressive form at the end of last season coupled with his cheap price tag attracting big guns attention
NEWCASTLE winger Andros Townsend is attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester City - after it emerged his release clause is just £10.5million.
The Toon flyer, 24, hit form at the back-end of last season but couldn't prevent the Magpies from dropping into the Championship.
And despite not making the cut for Roy Hodgson's final 23-man squad for the Euro's in France, he is courted by a number of clubs looking for a bargain.
Southampton are demanding Liverpool cough up £40m for Sadio Mane and Townsend would be a far more affordable option to add much needed pace to the Kop attack.
The former Spurs man was in the wilderness before a £12m switch to Tyneside in January, where he then fired four in 13 games to almost help Toon pull off a great escape.
But with relegation confirmed, it is very unlikely the club would stand in Townsend's way should a move back to the Premier League surface - despite Rafa Benitez staying on as boss.
According to the , Man City are monitoring the availability of Townsend.
The Toon man hasn't spoken publicly on his future at St James Park, where he earns £55,000-a-week, despite rumours of a lucrative move to Sporting Lisbon.
Newcastle have been quick to reassure fans who expected a summer exodus following the drop.
A club statement read: "We have had enquiries for some of our players, but our position remains the same: We want to retain and build a very strong squad at Newcastle United for the forthcoming season and that is absolutely what we will do.
“We will always act in the best interests of the club and the squad.”
