OPINION
Not only will Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez have to be clever in the transfer market as he looks to bring in new faces this summer, but he will also have to think hard about which players he wants to keep around at St. James’ Park ahead of the new season.
There are several Magpies stars who could be in danger of the axe this summer, with many not seen as quite good enough if the club want to be challenging for a place in Europe in 2018/19.
One of those that has not been expected to be deemed surplus to requirements is winger Matt Ritchie, who recovered from a slow start to the season with some brilliant displays late on.
However, it seems as though Benitez is indeed considering an exit for Ritchie as he looks to build a squad capable of pushing on next term.
As reported by The Sun, the Scotland international is being considered as a makeweight in a deal for Bournemouth striker Josh King, who is a target for the Magpies.
The newspaper claim that Newcastle are unwilling to pay the £20million that the Cherries want for King, and Ritchie will potentially be used to lower that price tag.
If this report is true then this move would be madness from Benitez.
In pushing through this deal Benitez would be losing one of his most important squad members who is set to play a big role once again next season.
Ritchie is one of the club’s most experienced players, and remains a big threat going forward and from set-pieces, and to let him go would be suicide from Benitez.
In return they would be getting a good player in King, but one who is most certainly not worth the price that is being quoted by Bournemouth, and one who is not worth the loss of Ritchie either.
It is a move that makes little sense for Newcastle, and they must abandon any thoughts of pushing it through in the coming weeks.