Newcastle United and Bournemouth have been linked with a possible swap deal.
Newcastle United have yet to make a new signing in the transfer market this summer, with their only deal coming in the form of loan goalkeeper Martin Dubravka signing on a permanent basis.
The Magpies will be looking to back manager Rafael Benitez with new signings, but with a limited budget at his disposal, Newcastle may need to get creative in the transfer market.
A new striker is a must, and with regular goalscorers coming at a huge price, Newcastle may be prepared to work a swap deal in order to give Benitez what he needs in the transfer market.
The Sun reported over the weekend that Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie wants a return to former club Bournemouth, and he may be used as a makeweight in a deal for Cherries striker Joshua King.
Love Island World Cup: If EVERY contestant was a 2018 World Cup team
Ritchie may have been a solid performer for Newcastle over the last two years, registering 15 goals and 12 assists for the club, but if they can land King, they should be more than willing to give up the Scottish winger.
King has hit 24 Premier League goals in the last two seasons, adding another five assists, and his combination of pace, power and finishing ability could see him become the forward Benitez has been looking for.
The 26-year-old has versatility to play out wide, up front or even in the troublesome No. 10 role for Newcastle, whilst Newcastle do have options to replace Ritchie already in Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy.
Ritchie’s value isn’t going to increase at nearly 29, and trading him in for a proven Premier League striker would make Newcastle the big winners of such a part-exchange deal, if it does come to fruition.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
