According to Lee Ryder at The Chronicle, Newcastle United could still hand new deals to out-of-contract duo Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett.
He reports that conversations have taken place with both in recent days, stating that the pair are still ‘in with a shout’ of staying on Tyneside for another season.
They’ve been good servants and have been praised for their leadership behind the scenes, but it would be a real surprise to see us hand out extensions to a pair who’ve played just over 100 minutes of Premier League football between them all season.
One player who will depart is Jeff Hendrick. He’s out of contract this summer, is midway through a dismal loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday and is thought to earn £50,000-per-week after arriving as a ‘free agent’ during the Steve Bruce era.
The Chronicle also reveal that Ryan Fraser – currently on loan at Southampton – earns £70,000-per-week and is also expected to depart after impressing during his time at St Mary’s. If the Saints opt against a permanent deal, his spell in the Championship is likely to attract other suitors.
Last but not least, Loris Karius is out of contract this summer and has a big decision to make following interest from a host of Serie A clubs. With his partner working in Italy, that move is likely to appeal should the right offer arrive.
I’m sorry but if EH offers Ritchie and Dummett new contracts then it is time for a new manager.
David(Quote)
I wouldn’t mind seeing one of them used in a playing/coaching role for the academy like the model in Germany.
Porkpie(Quote)
Ritchie and Dummett? New deals?
You have to be joking. Is this now just a Retirement Home for clapped out performers?
Think Eddie needs his bumps feeling if this news is correct.
Come on Amanda – get this line of thinking abandoned NOW.
These two plus Karius, Gillespie, Wilson, Longstaff, Murphy, Targett, Hayden, Fraser and Hendrick should all be jettisoned in the summer. Whether our illustrious transfer team have the time, nous or ability to pull it all off in one go (plus bring in new replacement recruits is another question altogether.
Toonarden(Quote)
If Eddie wants them to stay, then they can go and stay at his place away from us,
One goal for Richie over 3 seasons. Really.
And I’m sick of this behind the scenes nonsense.
Behind the scene doesn’t win us trophy.
Agreed Longstaff Murphy Frase Hendrik Dummet Richie and Targett as well since he is on £100k a week to warm the bench.
And yet got injured, he hasn’t even played.but I think this nice guy act will get us no where, Eddie can take all to Chelsea with him.
BMlondon(Quote)
We have dead wood on the books, most of the names mentioned need to be jettisoned, some of the former names Ritchie and Dummet may only be kept for home grown talent reasons, but I agree that a place could be found for Ritchie as a player/coach.
We certainly need the others off the wage bill including Almiron, for all the reasons mentioned either not playing or not good enough for where we want to be.
It would certainly help with FFP, and allow us to bring in three or four quality individuals.
Joseph(Quote)