Former Crystal Palace striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that returning to Newcastle would be refreshing for Andros Townsend.

Townsend previously played for the St James' Park during the second half of the 2015-2016 campaign, although he was unable to save Newcastle from relegation and stayed in the Premier League by joining Crystal Palace the following summer.

The ex-Tottenham attacker, who reportedly earns £55,000-a-week, has enjoyed an impressive career at Selhurst Park, but his contract expires at the end of the season and will therefore be available on a free transfer, providing he doesn't sign fresh terms in the coming months.

Recent reports believe that Steve Bruce's team are working on a tight budget, and therefore could be keen on free agents this summer, which could open the door for a potential return for Townsend, who's on Newcastle's wish-list.

And Bent told Football FanCast that a change of scenery is exactly what Townsend needs:

"He's a good squad player, he works hard. When he was at Tottenham he did really well, he was borderline England squad. He's quick, fast, but never really seemed to lift off anywhere, it never really seemed to happen.

"There's rumours that he might be going to Newcastle. I think Newcastle could be a good refreshment for him. Sometimes you need a change, but he's a good squad player.

"He's mature enough, wise enough and knows a lot about the game, but being out of contract he could go on a free."