Newcastle have offered former Bournemouth star Matt Ritchie plus cash in a bid to land Cherries striker Callum Wilson.
However, the Magpies aren’t the only club linked with the 28-year-old, as Tottenham and Aston Villa are also understood to be interested in signing Wilson.
Wilson, who scored eight goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season, has been on Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce’s wish list throughout the summer as he attempts to add firepower to a squad which managed to find the back of the net on just 38 occasions in the league last season.
His need has been compounded by the loss of Dwight Gayle to a knee injury during pre-season with Andy Carroll having been unable to put together a consistent run of fitness since his return to Tyneside, while £40million record signing Joelinton managed only four goals in all competitions during his first campaign in England.
Ritchie’s part in the proposed deal may come as disappointment to fans who have appreciated the 30-year-old’s commitment and contribution since he arrived at St James’ Park from Bournemouth in a £12m switch in July 2016.
And talkSPORT understands that the Scotland international would be open to a Bournemouth return.
However, Bruce’s relative lack of funds – he is understood to be working to a budget of between £25m and £30m plus whatever else he can generate – the arrival of Jeff Hendrick, and Matty Longstaff’s decision to sign a new contract, means he has room for manoeuvre in that department.
talkSPORT’s transfer guru Alex Crook joined White and Sawyer on Tuesday to provide the lowdown on this possible transfer – and the rival interest in Ritchie.
“Aston Villa are very much trying to hijack Newcastle’s move for Callum Wilson,” said Crook. “Bournemouth are attracted by Newcastle’s interest because they would dearly love to re-sign Matt Ritchie in a part-exchange deal.
“I know Ritchie himself is perhaps a bit homesick up in the north east and would love to come back down south.
“The fact both players have the same agent could also smooth the way.
“Villa have late in the day expressed their interest and Wilson, being Midlands born, might just fancy that switch to Villa Park.
“Tottenham are also monitoring developments in the background, but it does now seem to be edging towards a shootout between Newcastle and Villa.
“Bournemouth are realistic with the fee; when you’re relegated the value of your assets goes down straight away. I think £20m or £25m would be the package and Newcastle probably would value Matt Ritchie somewhere in the £5m to £10m region.”
Wilson joined the Cherries from home-town club Coventry during the summer of 2014 and scored 20 times in 45 league games to help them win promotion to the Premier League in his first season.
He announced himself on the big stage with five goals in his first six games and, after overcoming two serious knee injuries, scored on his full England debut in a 3-0 friendly victory over the United States in November 2018.
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By: Jackson
Title: Newcastle offer Bournemouth Matt Ritchie plus cash in bid to land Callum Wilson in summer transfer but Aston Villa aim to hijack deal
Sourced From: talksport.com/football/753432/newcastle-offer-bournemouth-matt-ritchie-callum-wilson-transfer/
Published Date: Tue, 01 Sep 2020 11:58:52 +0000
