Newcastle United are reportedly planning offer for Matt Ritchie.
According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle United are prepared to offer Matt Ritchie in a potential swap deal for Bournemouth wide man Ryan Fraser.
The Magpies will be looking to prove to Rafael Benitez that he will be backed if he stays as manager, given that the Spaniard is out of contract this summer.
That started with the club-record signing of Miguel Almiron in January, but more will be needed if Benitez is to stay – and another ambitious target has been identified.
The Daily Mail claim that Newcastle want Bournemouth star Fraser, and are planning a creative way to try and get him to St James’ Park given there would be a hefty price tag on his head.
It’s stated that Newcastle are ready to offer up Matt Ritchie in a part-exchange deal for Fraser, dangling the former Cherries star in front of their Premier League rivals.
Fraser, 25, has been a Premier League star this season, racking up seven goals and 12 assists; no Premier League player has more assists this term than the Scotland international.
However, The Mirror claim that Fraser wants a move to a top-six club in order to play European football, and whilst they may be a long-term ambition for Newcastle, they’re nowhere near that level just now.
Add in that Ritchie is now 29, and there appears to be little incentive for Bournemouth to accept such a deal, even though Ritchie was a hero on the South Coast in his first spell with the club – but Newcastle may well at least try and complete a surprise, creative deal.
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