Matt Ritchie receives first offer since Newcastle exit as two clubs eye former Toon winger

According to Craig Hope at The Mail, Matt Ritchie has received an offer to sign for Sheffield United following his release from Newcastle United.

The 34-year-old bid farewell to Newcastle at the end of May following the expiration of his contract and it seems a host of Championship clubs are keen on the wide man.

Hope reports that boyhood club Portsmouth are also showing interest in Ritchie, but he’s told that the Blades are the first club to come forward with a contract offer for the free agent, offering him a move to South Yorkshire following their relegation from the Premier League.

A return to Portsmouth may be tempting for Ritchie, allowing him to return to the South Coast and rejoin a club he spent nine years of his career from 2002 to 2011, although it remains to be seen if they’ll strike a deal following their promotion to the Championship. Watford have also been linked with the former Bournemouth man.

🔴 Matt Ritchie has interest from Sheffield United. Portsmouth, too, but I’m hearing it’s SUFC who have made the free agent an offer #nufc

— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) July 8, 2024

Speaking about his release at the end of May, Ritchie said: “After eight incredible years, my journey with Newcastle has come to an end and before I begin to prepare for an exciting new challenge at my new club – I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made my time here so special.

To the fans, your unwavering support has and always will mean the world to me. From the elation of scoring the winner against Burton Albion as we chased promotion, to a personal highlight of mine, seeing out a 1-0 win over Man United to help secure our Premier League status in 2018 – these moments, where we battled and triumphed together at St. James’ Park, will always hold a special place in my heart.

Newcastle United is filled with extraordinary people who made my time here so special. There’s no doubt that I’m leaving this club with…

Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/07/08/matt-ritchie-receives-first-offer-after-newcastle-exit-as-two-clubs-eye-former-toon-winger/

Author : Olly Hawkins

Publish date : 2024-07-08 10:32:15

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