Newcastle United are ‘confident’ of signing AFC Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie. Mirror Journalist Darren Lewis also understands that the Scottish international wants to move to St James’ Park as well.
Since joining the Cherries in January 2013, the 26-year-old has played over 120 times for the club. He played a major part in helping the club reach the Premier League in 2015. Ritchie has scored 31 goals for Eddie Howe’s men.
The fee is believed to be £12million (Mirror). That would be a considerable gain on the £400,000 Bournemouth paid Swindon three years ago.
It is understood that Newcastle want to sign up Ritchie before Andros Townsend leaves the club. It remains to be seen if Townsend will leave. A release clause in his contract would leave Newcastle in a vulnerable situation.
West Ham United tried to snap up the former Portsmouth youngster last month in a joint-bid with striker Callum Wilson. That deal was rejected by the Premier League side.
Although Bournemouth will understandably be disappointed to lose a player like Ritchie, the offer is simply too good to turn down. They can now reinvest that money into their own summer recruitment. As for Newcastle, Rafa Benitez is set to make more signings as he looks to get the club back into the top flight at the first attempt.
