The club are in talks with Stoke City about selling Matt Ritchie, according to both the Chronicle and the Shields Gazette.
We haven’t agreed a transfer yet with the Potters, but the fact that discussions are taking place suggests a possible departure could be on the cards.
Fans on Twitter would be disappointed to see the 28-year-old leave St James’ Park:
I'll literally cry haha
— Philip Randell (@TheLittleIcon) 2 July 2018
He still has a lot to offer. Gutted if he goes
— Tim Ablett (@TimAblett132) 2 July 2018
I would prefer Ritchie over Townsend with Ritchie your Gary reed hard work every game Townsend turns up every other
— Jay Charlton (@JayNufc87) 3 July 2018
Would be a mistake selling Ritchie. He may not have the flair of others but I can bet now, if that hard work of players of his type was replaced with flair last season, we wouldn’t have finished where we did. The likes of Ritchie and Diame dragged us through the end of last year
— Michael Cantwell (@mickycantwell) 2 July 2018
Hurts my heart to see this guy leave, been crying out for years for someone who gives his all for the shirt and Matt Ritchie is that man, the goal vs Man Utd sums him up perfectly.
— Vickers (@TinoVickers) 2 July 2018
One of the truest professionals I’ve seen pull on a black and white shirt. Will always be grateful to him #nufc
— The Clocktoys (@clocktoys) 2 July 2018
Alongside Lascelles he's been my favourite player of this era. I really hope we don't sell him to fund Townsend!! Inconsistent mercenary.
— Tom Benbow (@TomBenbow) 2 July 2018
Had a slow start to the season but was pivotal in getting us up the league and out of relegation danger… wasn't too excited when he signed… if be gutted to see him go
— Iain Graham (@IainGraham1) 2 July 2018
Hope he stays. Great character and work ethic.
— Dave (@QssssDavid) 2 July 2018
Verdict:
I do understand the reasons behind the decision if Matt does leave. We need to finance moves for other players and Rafa is in a difficult situation. If he wants to recruit either Andros Townsend or Kenedy then someone will have to be sold.
It’s a shame if it were to be our no.11. He has been a reliable and consistent player over the past two seasons, and he has never given anything less than 100% for the club. Nothing is set in stone yet, and he could still stay, but I would certainly be disappointed if we do decide to let him go.