Spurs flyer seen as answer to left-sided Sunderland problem
Published:
Andros Townsend is used to leaving Tottenham. But for the first time, the fleet-footed winger could actually be on his way out of White Hart Lane permanently.
The 23-year-old, who was loaned out to nine different clubs before securing a regular spot in the Spurs first team, is a transfer target of Sunderland’s this summer, with some reports believing a deal is a real possibility.
One of Dick Advocaat’s most crucial tasks now he is set to stay at the Stadium of Light is to sign a natural winger to play off the left-hand side for the Black Cats.
A failure to land Fabio Borini last January meant Connor Wickham had to adjust to fill the void in the latter half of the season, with Will Buckley and Jermain Defoe also putting in stints close to the touchline.
Although Townsend prefers to play from the right, he is a natural left footer and would benefit from operating on that side of the pitch, where his habit of cutting inside to shoot on sight will be curbed.
Making just 10 starts in the Premier League last season, the Leytonstone native is in real danger of being cast aside by Mauricio Pochettino, who often preferred to play Christian Eriksen off one wing, with Nacer Chadli on the other side.
Aaron Lennon was loaned to Everton in January and his departure gave Townsend a real opportunity to cement a future in the Argentine’s plans. However, his lack of form means he will happily be moved on if the price is right, as will Lennon and Erik Lamela.
Advocaat claims that at least six players of quality need to be signed in the north east if Sunderland are to avoid another relegation battle, a fight they are 15/8 to lose according to Ladbrokes.
The form Townsend has shown for England, where he has three goals in nine games, may be enough to convince the Dutchman that the shot-happy winger possesses enough talent to meet such criteria.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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