Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie wants to leave the club and move further south, according to TEAMtalk.
The football news outlet claim that the 29-year-old, who earns £45,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), wants to be closer to his family and is hoping to secure a deadline day exit from the Magpies.
TEAMtalk report that it’s unclear how much the Magpies would want for Ritchie but suggest his possible departure could coincide with the arrival of Miguel Almiron from MLS side Atlanta.
Good move for Newcastle?
No.
Ritchie is a regular fixture of Rafa Benitez’s side for a reason and he is very important to the team, so his exit shouldn’t even be considered a possibility.
The 29-year-old winger has played 25 times across all competitions this season, scoring two while assisting five, and always gives everything to ensure his side have the best possible chance of getting a result.
If Ritchie does want to leave then the Magpies have to either change his mind or at the very least get him to wait until the summer as it would be an impossible task to get a replacement through the door at this stage.
This Is Futbol rating: 0/10
Likely to happen?
No way.
While Magpies supporters may be fearing that something like this could be on the cards as it seems that their club is finally on the verge of splashing the cash to sign players, it simply seems unavailable.
Ritchie’s family may be down south and he may be keen on being closer to them, however the winger has only ever shown nothing but passion and pride over playing for the club.
If the 29-year-old does depart in the time that remains of the winter transfer window then it would be a massive shock and heartbreaking for fans to see one of their most recognisable stars leave.
This Is Futbol rating: 1/10