It seems there is little doubt that Stoke City are interested in signing Matt Ritchie from Newcastle United, but progress on the deal has not moved on as much as what we’re lead to believe.
The Stoke Sentinel reported that there had been a bid accepted by the Magpies but reports by the Newcastle Chronicle say this is wide of the mark. Talks have indeed taken place between the two clubs, but as yet a bid from Stoke has yet to be accepted.
This, of course, opens the door to other clubs coming in with an offer, this is what Newcastle are likely to want. Tony Pulis is known to be interested in the player and if he can free up the funds, he would be likely to come forward with a bid from Middlesbrough.
The Scotland international has also alerted the interest of his former club Bournemouth, but at this moment the Potters seem to be in the driving seat.
I am convinced the 28-year-old would be a massive asset to Stoke, over the last two seasons at Newcastle he has made 77 appearances and netted 15 times.
The figure being bandied about for the player is £15 million, or at least that is what Newcastle want.
Matt Ritchie is better than Stoke City! ????
— TooNaRMY (@RAFALUTION86) July 3, 2018
Fuck Matt Ritchie, wanting to move closer to his family, he’s Scottish man. NEWCASTLE IS CLOSER THAN STOKE. Buffoon. #NUFC
— Scott McWilliams (@NormingAbout) July 3, 2018
Matt Ritchie is a very good footballer who possessed all of the required attributes that underpinned the NUFC side last season. I think he’s great. If he goes, he’ll be forever held in high esteem up here.
But, I reckon Rafa knows his onions.
— Petesy (@OwenPeterson79) July 3, 2018
I want Matt Ritchie in my team #NUFC
— Leuz Salline (@Asallsince1993) July 3, 2018
@MsiDouglas I think Rafa will have spoken to players. Matt Ritchie was a vital cog in the machine last year. If we are bringing on Kennedy and Townsend if may impact on his game time and would he accept this. We are moving to phase two of the Rafa project
— mike duncan (@mikedun95307737) July 3, 2018
Matt Ritchie is good guy, solid, hard-working and clearly loved being here. As a person, he'll be missed.
Football-wise, a few big goals masked a very poor first half of the season. If we want to progress, I think it's time to sell.
— Marc Jobling (@MarcJobling) July 3, 2018
Will be a real shame to see Matt Ritchie go.
Always gave 100% and work ethic second to none.
Corner flags are breathing a sigh of relief though.
— Lee Robson (@leerobson23) July 3, 2018
