Ritchie’s Newcastle future uncertain amid injury concerns

Newcastle have reportedly taken a step back in contract talks with Matt Ritchie, who could be moved on in the January transfer window as a result. The 30-year-old is entering the final 18 months of his existing agreement and it appears the clock is counting down on his time in the north-east.
The Scot has been a near ever-present in the Magpies first-team since joining from Bournemouth in the summer of 2016, featuring in 36 of Newcastle’s 38 Premier League games for ex-boss Rafael Benitez last season.
However, he has only managed four outings in all competitions for the St James’ Park outfit this term due to an ankle injury suffered in a League Cup tie with Leicester back in August.
Ritchie had been on course to return in the near future but a setback has forced him to undergo a minor operation in order to try to correct the situation.
While the versatile wideman is on the sidelines, the club have decided against discussing terms on a new contract, increasing speculation that they could look to move Ritchie on during the January transfer window in order to maximise his potential value.
Having come through the academy at Portsmouth, the majority of Ritchie’s family are in Hampshire and it is thought he would give consideration to a move south to be closer to them.
Ritchie has ruled himself out of selection for the Scotland squad for the past 18 months in order to be able to see his family during the international breaks.
The Scottish Sun have now reported Ritchie has informed Scots boss Steve Clarke that he is officially retired from international football in order to concentrate on his club career.
Ritchie is understood to be fully focused on returning to action for Newcastle and is said to be chomping at the bit to get back out on the field having rarely been troubled by injuries throughout his career up to this point.
The former Swindon and Portsmouth is a popular figure in the Newcastle dressing room and any move away mid-season is unlikely to go down well amongst Bruce’s squad.