Newcastle and Crystal Palace are discussing a potential swap deal for Andros Townsend and Chancel Mbemba, Sky sources understand.

The Magpies are very keen to re-sign Townsend, who left them to join the Eagles last summer in a £13m deal, but Palace are reluctant to let him leave while they are in a relegation fight.

Newcastle are therefore exploring different options to make the deal happen and have offered Palace, who are in dire need of a new defenders, the chance to take Mbemba on loan.

Mbemba is currently away with DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations and has not played for Newcastle since October.

Palace recently took Chris Samba on trial and are in the process of signing left-back Patrick van Aanholt from Sunderland.

Newcastle, who also have an interest in Modou Barrow at Swansea, remain hopeful they can bring Townsend in on loan with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

Townsend, who has 13 caps for England, initially joined Newcastle from Tottenham in a £12m deal in January 2016.