Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie is reportedly wanted by Middlesbrough.
Newcastle United are in the market for wingers this summer, but they may end up losing one of their most reliable wide men in Matt Ritchie.
The 2016 signing from Bournemouth notched three goals and six assists this past season, and also played a key part in Newcastle’s promotion from the Championship during the 2016-17 season too.
Now though, the 28-year-old is wanted by two clubs, as The Telegraph report that Middlesbrough and Stoke City have both offered £15million for Ritchie, and are in talks with Newcastle about signing the Scotland international.
Newcastle won’t be keen to lose Ritchie, but £15million is money they may not see for a player over Ritchie’s age again – and they should be looking to use Middlesbrough’s interest to mount a move for Adama Traore.
The Boro wide man, 23, was once highly touted at Barcelona before a dismal spell with Aston Villa, and having blown hot and cold in the Premier League with Boro, he lit up the Championship with five goals and 10 assists last season.
Spaniard Traore is known for his blistering pace and incredible dribbling ability, and whilst his end product has often suffered, he proved last season that he is improving on that front.
Middlesbrough won’t want to sell Traore as they look to mount a promotion push next season, and Newcastle would be wise to test their resolve by offering Ritchie in a part-exchange deal this summer.
The two may be very different types of wingers, but Ritchie’s value may only decrease as he nears 30, and Traore has a huge future ahead of him, meaning Benitez and co should at least explore a move to finally bring the winger to St. James’ Park, especially given that The Chronicle reported Newcastle’s interest in Traore last summer, with talks held back then.
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