A swift replacement for Townsend? £12 million-rated winger wants Newcastle United move

Matt Ritchie

Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie wants a move to Newcastle United, according to reports from the Daily Mirror.

After weeks of speculation, it looks like Andros Townsend will be leaving Newcastle United. According to reports from Sky Sports, Crystal Palace have decided to activate Townsend’s £13 million release clause and the transfer is now widely expected to come into fruition.

Replacing a player of Townsend’s quality will surely not be easy but Newcastle have moved on swiftly to target Bournemouth star Matt Ritchie.

Ritchie played a big role in Bournemouth’s fine campaign in the Premier League last season and Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is believed to be keen on signing the 26-year-old.

Now in a further development to the story, the Daily Mirror have revealed that Newcastle are set to offer Bournemouth a whopping £12 million to secure the services of the Scottish international this summer.

In addition, Mirror journalist Darren Lewis has gone on to add that Ritchie is also keen on moving to St. James’ Park.