Newcastle reportedly leading the race to sign high profile Premier League duo

Newcastle are reportedly going after James McCarthy and Andros Townsend as reported by NUFC, and hoping to sign them before the transfer window closes in three days time.

According to reports, Newcastle are in the lead to sign McCarthy with the player said to be favoring a move to Newcastle rather than to Crystal Palace, who would like him to assist in the clubs fight against relegation.

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has said that he hopes to complete the transfers by Tuesday and to avoid last minute purchases. While the transfers may not take place as it is now late in the transfer window, clubs often assess their options at the last minute, so there is a possibility of them happening.

Benitez is looking to bolster his squad as they look to finish first in the Championship and claim automatic promotion back to the Premier League next season, though he has stated that he is happy with the team he built during the summer.