According to Alan Nixon, Newcastle are currently in talks with Bournemouth over a potential January swap deal involving Matt Ritchie and Philip Billing.
His latest ‘exclusive’ for The Sun claims that The Cherries hold long term interest in bringing Ritchie back to the South Coast – a player who did not feature in Saturday night’s dismal defeat to Aston Villa.
As for Billing – a 6ft 4′ Danish international midfielder – it’s reported he could be involved in a potential part-exchange that may see him head to Tyneside and Ritchie return to the club we signed him from almost five years ago now.
Discussions are said to be underway with nothing agreed as of yet, but the proposed ‘trade’ could suit both parties.
For one, we badly need something different in central midfield, while Ritchie appears to someone they’ve wanted to re-sign for some time – not to mention the fact he’s no longer one of the first names on our team sheet or a big part of Bruce’s starting 11.
Billing completed a £15m move to Bournemouth 18 months ago as arguably the most talented player on Huddersfield’s books after relegation in 2018/19 – only to suffer the same fate a year later with his current club.
Not a great record to be carrying for the 24-year-old, who is a talented player on his day but also an inconsistent one yet to fulfil his potential thus far.
IF this latest transfer rumour proved to be true, would you be keen to see us pursue a potential part-exchange?
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What another failed player
Ricky(Quote)
As long as his wages are lower than Ritchie it sounds like a deal. Shame, Ritchie gives his all but hasn’t been able to get back to his best under Bruce.
Smileypooemoji(Quote)
I’d take Billing in a heartbeat. Exactly the midfielder we need – wonder if they’d take Shelvey over Ritchie though, coz I’d sooner see the back of that lazy clown far more than Ritchie.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Get rid of bruce re’sign Beneitez and keep Mat Ritchie.
Brian crews(Quote)