If Romano is right, Howe could dump Newcastle player he called ‘huge’ in Jan – our view

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According to Fabrizio Romano, a winger is top of the Newcastle United shopping list in January.

The reliable Italian journalist revealed to Caught Offside on Wednesday that a wide forward was among the priorities for Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth at St James’s Park.

He said: “Newcastle wanted a winger in the summer, so they are still exploring the market for that position ahead of January. I expect that to be one of their priorities.”

And if Howe does indeed sign one, well it could potentially spell the end of Matt Ritchie’s time on Tyneside.

Howe is obviously a massive admirer of the Scotland international.

This is someone who the former Bournemouth manager coached long before ever replacing Steve Bruce at Newcastle and, in May of this year, Howe labelled Ritchie as ‘huge’ for the squad as a whole [GBB].

Problem is, the player is now 33 and has endured an injury-hit season for the most part.

If Newcastle do sign a winger, one will have to leave the North East and with his age and reduced impact on Howe’s squad due to injury, it does make sense for all parties if he’s the one to make way.