Football
Peter O'Rourke, Transfer correspondent 8y

Sporting not in for Andros Townsend, close on Sandro move - sources

Reports that Newcastle and England winger Andros Townsend is set to join Sporting Lisbon are wide of the mark, but Queens Park Rangers midfielder Sandro is in line for a move, sources have told ESPN FC.

Portuguese daily Record claimed earlier on Tuesday that Sporting were closing in on the signing of Townsend after activating the release clause in his contract.

However, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC that the report is not true and that the player has not travelled to Portugal for talks.

Townsend's future has been the subject of speculation in the wake of Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League with the 24-year-old impressing at St James' Park since his arrival from Tottenham in the January transfer window.

Several Premier League sides are monitoring Townsend's situation at Newcastle, but the player is not expected to make any decision on his future until after Euro 2016 if he makes Roy Hodgson's final 23-man squad.

One player that does look set to join Sporting is QPR's Brazilian midfielder Sandro, a source close to the player has told ESPN FC.

Sandro, who spent the season on loan at West Brom, has been given permission to hold talks with the Portuguese club after they agreed a fee with QPR.

The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Loftus Road and QPR are willing to sell him in a bid to trim their wage bill in the Championship.

West Brom had the option to sign Sandro on a permanent basis but Sporting, who finished second in Portugal this season, have moved to front of the queue.

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