EXCLUSIVE: Shock Ritchie exit on cards at Newcastle
TEAMtalk understands Matt Ritchie wants to leave Newcastle and move further south.
The Hampshire-born winger, who signed from Bournemouth in 2016, wants to move closer to his family and is hoping to seal a move away from the club on deadline day.
His possible departure coincides with the arrival of £20.5m record signing of Miguel Almiron from MLS side Atlanta.
“The fans want signings so I am sure they are pleased and it will be good for the group,” said Ritchie recently.
“When a new player comes in, it not only boosts the fans but the players in the squad as well because everyone wants to impress in training.“
“I don’t think the transfer record is a big issue, it’s more about bringing bodies in to compete and make the squad stronger.
“That’s what the manager wants and hopefully he can do that.”
However, Press Association Sport claimed that while there had been enquiries, no club had come anywhere near reaching a valuation which would give the Magpies cause for consideration.
Ritchie is under contract until 2021, but it’s unclear how much Newcastle want for the player, who cost £12million in the summer of 2016.
By Graeme Bailey