THE future of England winger Andros Townsend could prove a major factor in Sammy Ameobi’s return to Wanderers.

Newcastle United are in advanced talks with Crystal Palace over bringing Townsend back to Tyneside, at which point they would entertain the idea of a deal with the Whites.

Rafa Benitez had wanted temporary cover for Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu, who are both currently playing at the African Cup of Nations, and handed Ameobi his first appearance since May 2015 as a second-half substitute since in the weekend win over Rotherham United.

Benitez has been impressed with a revived Ameobi since bringing him back into the fold but knows his chances would be restricted should Newcastle loan Townsend for a reported £3million fee.

Wages may yet be an issue, with sources close to St James’ Park claiming problems which arose in the first six months of his loan could affect their willingness to release him again.

Ameobi also indicated he was hoping to remain in his native North East.

“I’m so grateful to Bolton and everything they have done for me,” he told the Newcastle Chronicle. “I loved it there. The manager and the players - I got on really well with everybody, they really encouraged me. But I’m here now, and this is my home.”

Wanderers refuse to give up on bringing him back, however, and counting in their favour is the fact he cannot be loaned out elsewhere because he has now featured for two clubs in a season.

Ken Anderson was in talks with the Football League yesterday to negotiate what room would be available for Phil Parkinson to make new signings in the remaining week of the transfer window.

Wanderers are restricted to a 23-man squad but will be without Lewis Buxton for the foreseeable future with a back problem, and also learned last week that Darren Pratley needs surgery on his ankle.

Parkinson will be restricted to loan deals and his chief scout Tim Breacker has picked out a number of Premier League-based youngsters he could move quickly to sign. But the Whites boss is waiting on the outcome of Ameobi’s situation with Newcastle – and Anderson’s discussions with the Football League – before taking his next step.

With James Henry, Andy Taylor and Tom Thorpe already in his squad, also has to bear in mind he can only name five loanees in a matchday 18.