Stoke City boss Gary Rowett has been strongly linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie, but could turn to his former Derby County winger Tom Ince instead.
Gary Rowett wants a reunion with his former Derby County winger Tom Ince at Stoke City – a move that could have implications for Newcastle United, according to Sky Sports (liveblog entry 15:36).
Rowett managed Ince for two months at Derby, before Huddersfield Town lured the latter away in a deal worth a reported £8 million.
The pair’s paths could however cross once more at Stoke, where Rowett is now employed after leaving the Rams himself this summer.
The 44-year-old recently saw another winger, Xherdan Shaqiri, sold to Liverpool, and was already being tipped to strengthen in the position, with Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie a prime target.
But although talks between Stoke and Newcastle had continued as of the end of last week, according to Sky Sports, the broadcaster claims the two clubs are still £3.5 million apart with their valuations of Ritchie, for whom the Potters have offered £11.5 million.
Ince appeared 37 times for Huddersfield last season, but only scored three goals and failed to contribute a single assist.
Would the former Derby winger be a better signing for Stoke than Newcastle’s Ritchie?
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