Newcastle United are forcing recently-relegated Stoke City to sweat over their pursuit of Matt Ritchie as they will not sanction his exit without bringing in a replacement, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim that the Magpies are not willing to let the Scottish international, who has been a stalwart in the first team at St James’ Park, depart the club without first securing the signing of another wide man.
It is stated that north west side Stoke are ready to splash out £15million on the former Bournemouth man and that a deal is on the cards, but they will have to wait until Rafael Benitez finds a man to take his place.
Good move for Newcastle?
It all depends on who they manage to bring in to take the place of Ritchie.
The 28-year-old has been a crucial part of Newcastle’s success over the past two seasons and finding the right man to fill the massive gap left by his exit will be a tough task for Benitez.
It is not only his quality that they are having to replace but his attitude, with a brilliant work ethic that has endeared him to the Toon Army at St James’ Park.
Still, for £15million it is not a bad piece of business, and that will go a long way to bringing in some new recruits.
This is Futbol rating: 6.5/10
Likely to happen?
It seems as though everything is in place for Ritchie to make his exit, and that all Newcastle need to do is bring in a new face.
However, that is easier said than done and it could be a while until Stoke finally get their man.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10 (if Stoke are patient)