According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United have just REJECTED Bournemouth’s deadline day bid for Matt Ritchie.
This comes from their South Coast correspondent Mark McAdam, who claims we’ve not only knocked back their offer but also told the Cherries he will NOT be leaving the club before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Bruce confirmed that Ritchie’s potential return to his former club was “up in the air” during his press conference this morning, however it seems we’ve now told Bournemouth he won’t be going anywhere after turning down their deadline day bid:
Here’s what Steve Bruce said about Ritchie’s future when speaking to the press earlier today, accepting he’ll have to ‘get his head down’ at Newcastle if the move fails to materialise:
“I still think there’s a lot to do on that deal.
“That one is up in the air.
“We will see where we are later in the day with that one.
“Matt’s been a really wonderful player at the club but he’s obviously frustrated that he’s not playing regularly, and you can understand that.”
“He has to understand if it doesn’t happen he gets his head down.”
Considering he’s out of the first team picture at present, keen to re-sign for his former club and taking a place in our 25-man squad, it’s a shame we’ve not been able to come to an agreement here.
A great servant, but it feels like it was his time to go – especially when it could’ve freed up space for another late signing.
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE
Why hang on to Ritchie? He is useless and has zero end product any longer. I would presume Penfold wanted to avoid bringing someone in in his position.
sickandtired(Quote)