Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie could make his final appearance for the club on Sunday afternoon as north west side Stoke City plot a summer raid for his capture, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Magpies’ fan favourite, who has established himself as a mainstay under Rafael Benitez with his hard work and quality on the flanks, is being targeted by the Championship side as they look to secure a return to the Premier League next season.
Ritchie, who is said to not have had a new contract extension put in the pipeline, has made 124 appearances for Newcastle to date and Sunday’s outing against Fulham could be his last if the Potters come in.
Good move for Newcastle?
Only if the Magpies can find an adequate replacement which in this market and with their spending is no guarantee.
The north east side are known to be frugal in the transfer market and finding someone who brings the same incredible work ethic as well as talent on the ball to St James’ Park will not be an easy task at all.
The only way this will be a good move is if they can get a price for him which allows them to find someone to take his place in the squad and quite frankly, you cannot see Stoke paying that sort of money.
Maybe an upgrade is needed this summer but he is still worth having around to offer competition, not to mention fill in at the likes of full back if necessary.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
Only if the Scottish international wants it to.
He will happily stay at Newcastle for another year if he is guaranteed playing time – after all, his other option seems to be dropping into the Championship.
On the other hands, if the Potters want to offer him a wage in excess of what he is earning with the Magpies then he might want to go and in that case they should let him.
It seems to be up in the air but do not hedge your bets on anything just yet.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10