Bournemouth are set to approach Newcastle United officials over a deal for Matt Ritchie if he is denied a new long-term contract, according to the Northern Echo.
The regional newspaper reports on its website that the Cherries have been alerted of the situation surrounding the 29-year-old’s future, and will approach United officials in the summer transfer window if nothing changes.
The report adds that £45,000-a-week [Spotrac] ace wants a new contract that will let him remain on Tyneside beyond his current two year deal and until he hangs up his boots.
However, at the moment, boss Rafa Benitez will not be offering Ritchie anything.
OPINION
To let a player like Ritchie leave after the great impact that he has made this season would be a grave mistake on the club’s part. He has been excellent this season bar a couple of games, and the fact that he does not look like he will extend his stay will have the Newcastle fans absolutely fuming. It is not a surprise then, that Bournemouth will make an approach to United officials if things do not change in the transfer window. Ritchie wants security for the rest of his playing career, and if Newcastle cannot offer that, then he may end up moving back down South to his former club. Yes, he may turn 30-years-old later this year, but that is no reason why the club should not offer him new deal. At this rate, they risk losing one of their most consistent players – something which they may regret further down the line.
