Player sold by Newcastle United for £13m training at Premier League club after release

Former Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend is training with Premier League newcomers Burnley following his release from Everton.

The 13-capped England international hasn’t kicked a competitive ball since March 2022 after sustaining an ACL injury in a FA Cup match against former club Crystal Palace.

After missing the whole of last season, Townsend was let go by the Toffees last month but his hopes of remaining in England’s top-flight are still alive as he attempts to win a contract at Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.

The 31-year-old started his career at Tottenham Hotspur and made 93 appearances before making the switch to Newcastle in January 2016 for £12million.

Whilst he impressed at St James’ Park - scoring four times in 13 games - his stay was shortlived after he opted to join Crystal Palace following United’s relegation from the Premier League.

Townsend was close to returning to Tyneside six months later but then Magpies owner Mike Ashley refused to sanction the deal. Townsend spent five years at Selhurst Park and was just 15 appearances shy of reaching 200.

The player then reunited with former boss Rafa Benitez in 2021 after becoming a free agent. He appeared 27 times before his career at Goodison Park was cut short because of a knee injury.

Townsend has 264 Premier League appearances under his belt, experience Burnley could benefit from as they look to avoid the drop in their first season back.