Newcastle United's Florian Thauvin is set to head back to Marseille on loan following the arrival of Andros Townsend from Tottenham, according to the Daily Mail.

The 23-year-old has failed to impress since his £12million transfer in the summer and has managed only three starts for the Magpies.

The Premier League club is eager to get the player off their books in the January transfer window.

The Magpies would have preferred to sell the player, but he can't sign for any other club as he has already played for both Newcastle and Marseille this season and according to FIFA rules ,a player can't play for three clubs in a single season.

Therefore, a loan move back to Marseille is the only option available to Newcastle and now that Townsend has completed his £12m switch to St James' Park, Thauvin will be given the all-clear to depart.