Tottenham Hotspur confirms transfer of Andros Townsend to Newcastle

It's finally official: Andros Townsend is no longer a Tottenham Hotspur player. Spurs announced via social media that the academy graduate and England international winger has completed a move to Newcastle United.

We have reached agreement with @NUFC for the transfer of @andros_townsend. We wish him all the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/kvJPeuaCzV

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 27, 2016

#AndrosToonsend pic.twitter.com/fIr0jcUfdW

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 27, 2016

Financial details about the transfer were not disclosed, but reports suggested that the transfer is for 5.5 years, the fee is in the area of £12m and for wages of £40k/week. The deal was reportedly made after the intervention of Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino into the transfer dealings.

Andros was one of the first Tottenham academy player since Ledley King to come through the ranks and establish himself in Spurs' first team, making him the herald of players like Harry Kane, Ryan Mason, and Tom Carroll. A Spurs player since the age of 8, Andros made his Spurs debut in 2011 in a FA Cup match against Charlton Athletic, during which he scored and was named Man of the Match. However, he made no fewer than nine loans during his early career and it wasn't until 2013 that he broke through to Spurs' first team after a successful stint at Queens Park Rangers.

Townsend is also a full England international, having represented his country at the U16, U17, U19, U21, and senior levels. He made his full England debut against Montenegro in October of 2013, and has been capped ten times, scoring three goals. He's reportedly liked by England manager Roy Hodgson.

Andros seemed to have a falling out with the Spurs coaching staff that came to a head after a confrontation with Spurs fitness coach Nathan Gardiner. Townsend never sniffed the first team after that, was fined, and banished to train and play with the U21 squad. Since then, a transfer to another club has been a foregone conclusion.

Newcastle are getting a wide midfielder with pace and proven Premier League ability, which may serve them very well as they attempt to escape the drop this season, and he's expected to challenge immediately for a place in Toon's starting lineup. In quotes to Sky Sports, Newcastle was a club he "couldn't turn down":

"As soon as I knew of Newcastle's interest they were the only club I wanted to join.

"Two of the best positions you can play in football are centre-forward and left wing at Newcastle. I've got the chance.

"I could never turn that down. I can't wait to play my first game at St James' Park."

Townsend is still a quality player, even if he frustrated Spurs fans during his tenure and didn't really fit into Mauricio Pochettino's tactical system. Hopefully he can re-establish his career up north and be a successful pro. Best wishes to Andros as he continues his football Tyneside.