OPINION
West Ham must swoop to sign Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie in the summer transfer window after it was reported last month that the Scotland international wants a move down south.
TeamTalk reported in January that Ritchie, 29, wanted to quit St James’ Park on deadline day in order to return to the south to be nearer to his family.
Clearly, the former Bournemouth player failed to secure a move away from Tyneside in January, but the fact that he seems homesick in the north-east might create an opening for West Ham to sign him this summer.
Ritchie has been in great form for Newcastle this season, appearing 27 times across all competitions while scoring two goals and supplying five assists in the process.
The 16-times Scotland international has played a key role in helping the Magpies solidify their return to the Premier League after joining them when they were in the Championship in 2016/17.
This season, he has played in a number of different roles and positions, with Rafa Benitez using the £45,000-a-week (Spotrac) dazzler on the left and right wings, as well as at left-back.
Manuel Pellegrini has an issue with his current left-back options as Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell have both struggled to consistently impress in the position, but Ritchie has been on fire in the role at St James’ Park.
It would not hurt to have a player of his versatility in the side as well as Ritchie can play on both wings and is a fine set-piece taker.
West Ham could do a lot worse than signing the Newcastle flyer in the summer and given the fact that he might make noises about leaving St James’ Park, there is also the chance that they cure lure him to the London Stadium, closer to his family, on a relatively cheap deal.