Newcastle United's move for Swansea City winger Modou Barrow has stalled, according to The Shields Gazette.

What's the word?

Rafael Benitez is keen to strengthen his wide options in order to provide a more balanced squad for the second half of the season.

The Magpies are tipped for automatic promotion back to the Premier League as they currently sit second in the Championship, two points off leaders Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Shields Gazette reports that Newcastle are keen to take Barrow on loan without an option to buy, but Swansea want to get the 24-year-old off their books.

The winger has not played since Paul Clement became manager earlier this month and is unlikely to have a future under the coach.

The publication claims that unless the Welsh outfit change their stance, the Magpies will have to move on to another target.

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What about Andros Townsend?

The 25-year-old would be a better fit for Newcastle given that he played under Benitez at St James' Park during the second half of last season.

The winger has had plenty of game time, featuring in all but one of Crystal Palace's Premier League matches in the current campaign.

Townsend joined the Eagles from Newcastle in the summer for £13m after he chose top-flight football over the Championship following the Magpies' relegation.

According to the Daily Star, Townsend is a main target for Benitez, but the club are unwilling to fork out as much as they sold him for.

Palace are also unlikely to sell considering that they are fighting a relegation battle in the Premier League.

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