3 stars Crystal Palace could spend the Wilfried Zaha money on this summer

Matt Ritchie

There was much speculation throughout January that Newcastle were looking to bring Andros Townsend back to St James’ Park, just six months after selling him to Palace for £13 million.

And, if Rafa Benitez and his side want to reignite their interest in the England international come the summer, Palace could use Matt Ritchie as a bargaining tool given how impressive he has been for the Magpies this term.

The 27-year-old moved to the North East last summer from Bournemouth, and has scored nine goals and laid on seven assists to help Newcastle to top spot in the Championship, and all but securing their place in the Premier League next term.

Ritchie has proven credentials in the top-flight given his one-year spell with Bournemouth, having netted four times and laid on six assists, and he’d be exactly the sort of signing which would galvanise the Palace faithful ahead of the new season.