Howe is right to place Ritchie on transfer list

Read Newcastle has long expected Matt Ritchie to leave Newcastle United this summer if Eddie Howe was going to trim the deadwood from the squad, and finally Scott Wilson of the Northern Echo says the Magpies will listen to offers.

The 32-year-old has been short of playing time since Matt Targett joined on loan from Aston Villa, making only two appearances since December 2021. Ritchie is out of contract in 2023, so the Magpies risk losing him for nothing next year if they don’t cash in early.

The Scottish international doesn’t appear to have a future at St James’ Park as he’s spent the second half of the season on the bench and will turn 33 in September. Ritchie hadn’t been in the best form when he was playing, so his place in the side would have been at risk regardless of Targett being signed.

Ritchie has made 188 appearances in all competitions since joining from Bournemouth in 2016, scoring 24 goals with 33 assists. The 32-year-old made 19 appearances this season and was a regular at left-back until the turn of the year, but he may have played in his final game for Newcastle.

In other news, Jamaal Lascelles still has future at Newcastle