Crystal Palace are ready to trigger the release clause of Newcastle United's Andros Townsend.

According to the Sunday People, the Eagles will activate the £8million buyout fee in the contract Townsend signed with the Magpies in January.

With Newcastle's relegation to the Championship, Townsend is free to leave St James' Park if a Premier League club makes an offer and it is understood that Palace will do so soon.

Townsend, 24, impressed for the Toon after joining from Tottenham in the winter but is expected to remain in the top flight rather than join his Magpies colleagues in England's second tier.