According to The Athletic, Matt Ritchie cleared out his locker in January as he expected to leave Newcastle for Bournemouth.
The 31-year-old was so convinced about the move going through that he said goodbye to teammates and gathered up his belongings, after Steve Bruce said he could leave.
However, the Magpies could not secure a replacement, and the 16-cap Scotland international was forced to stay put.
Newcastle also weren’t entirely satisfied with the terms proposed by Bournemouth.
The Athletic claim that Newcastle wanted a permanent exit for their No.11, or at least a loan move with an obligation to buy.
However, Bournemouth wanted a loan deal which would turn into a permanent switch if they achieved promotion.
Ritchie is said to be keen to return to the south coast, as it’s where he’s from and also where he still owns a family home.
Since his move was blocked by Bruce, the pair have come to blows on the training field in an incident which Ritchie has now apologised for.
Away from off-field clashes, Newcastle are in real trouble on the field.
The Magpies sit just a point above 17th place Fulham, and have just two wins in their last 16 Premier League games.
That is relegation form.
With Fulham having won three of their last six, Bruce should be feeling pretty anxious as the business end of the season commences.
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