Should Newcastle look at Robert Snodgrass if Matt Ritchie leaves?

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Reports have linked Matt Ritchie with a move to Stoke or Middlesbrough, so maybe Newcastle United should consider a like-for-like replacement.

As reported by the Telegraph, Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie is a target for Middlesbrough and Stoke, meaning the Magpies ought to look at replacements just in case they cannot hold on to him.

Ritchie, who joined the club from Bournemouth in 2016, has made 86 appearances to date for the Toon Army, scoring 19 goals in the process, and last season he was praised for his hard work and creativity from out wide.

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Newcastle may have finished 10th in the Premier League, but one criticism of Rafa Benitez’s side was that they did not score enough goals.

The Telegraph report that Ritchie is the subject of interest from Championship sides Middlesbrough and Stoke, and apparently both clubs have held discussions over the Scotland international.

The fee being talked about is understood to be £15 million. It is unclear whether the Magpies definitely wish to sell, but the fact they have entered talks perhaps tells its own story.

Should Ritchie be sold, then Newcastle will need a replacement, and they should look no further than Robert Snodgrass of West Ham.

Snodgrass, another Scotland international, had a fine season in the Championship last term with Aston Villa and is a very similar player to Ritchie. He is two years older but has just as much quality, particularly from set pieces.

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini may feel as though Snodgrass warrants a chance at the London Stadium after his exploits for Villa, but Newcastle should certainly consider him if there is a chance Ritchie could be moving on.