Championship Stoke City are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie after a fine season in the Premier League.
Matt Ritchie was one of Rafa Benitez’s top performers last season but it seems the winger could be sacrificed by Newcastle United for the sake of progress.
The Magpies need to sell in order to fund deals for their most expensive targets and it seems that the hard-working fan favourite is one of the players likely to be cashed in on, alongside the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba.
Recently relegated Stoke City are the favourites to land Ritchie and, according to the Sun, the Potters have offered him a £4 million a year contract, which the Scotland international is expected to accept.
The transfer fee, however, remains a sticking point as things stand. The Chronicle is stating that no deal between the two clubs has been agreed just yet and Newcastle have rejected a bid of £15 million from the Potters.
It is understood that Newcastle are hoping to raise even more funds via Ritchie’s sale, particularly as deals for potential replacements such as Andros Townsend and Kenedy are likely to cost in excess of £25 million.
In another twist, the Chronicle adds that Ritchie would prefer a return to former club Bournemouth, which would give him the chance to stay in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the Cherries are willing to offer more than the £15 million put on the table by Stoke.
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