Sky Bet Championship side Stoke City are hoping to complete a deal in the coming days that will see them sign Newcastle United and Scotland winger Matt Ritchie.
The Potters have been chasing Ritchie for a number of weeks now, and have even seen a bid in the region of £15 million rejected by the Premier League side.
However, as Xherdan Shaqiri edges ever closer to completing his move to Champions League finalists Liverpool for a fee of £13 million, Stoke will be looking to sign a replacement, and Ritchie could be that man according to the Northern Echo, who say that a deal could be in place before the start of next week.
Stoke are preparing their squad for their first season back in the Sky Bet Championship for over ten years following their relegation from the Premier League in the 2017/18 campaign.
It was a dreadful campaign for the Potters, but they are early favourites to bounce straight back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Several reports from the North West had suggested that Newcastle were unwilling to sell Ritchie until they signed a replacement for the former Bournemouth man, and earlier this week they completed the loan signing of Chelsea winger Kenedy.
They are also said to be interested in Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, but reports suggest that the Magpies will now wait until Ritchie leaves before they make a move for the former England man.
Ritchie has experience of earning promotion from the second tier, helping both Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth reach the top flight.
