Eddie Howe confirms Matt Ritchie looks set for Newcastle United exit with Premier League side keen

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed Matt Ritchie is likely to exit the Magpies this summer.

Although, the head coach would love to keep the experienced wideman around for a little longer.

And NewcastleWorld understands newly-promoted side Bournemouth are weighing up a move for the player, as he looks to secure a move closer to his family, after six years on Tyneside.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Burnley in Portugal, Howe confirmed his want to keep the former Scotland international around, but the will of the player to go back south may this time prove too strong.

“It wasn’t farewell or intentional from my side,” Howe said of Ritchie’s end of season appearance at Burnley.

“I think it’s well documented my relationship with Matty, we go so far back.

“The respect for him I have as a person - he’s been incredible for me.

“Matty’s own personal situation he will have his own thoughts. Mine is to try and keep him but it’s well documented that Matty has been a way from his family for a long period of time.

“He loves playing for Newcastle and is very passionate about the club. But I think it is unclear what direction we will take this year but from both sides there is a lot of respect.”

Ritchie has been close to a United exit on a number of occasions in recent years, with the club pulling the plug on a move back the Cherries while Steve Bruce was in charge at United.

Ritchie is likely to follow the likes of Dwight Gayle, Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden out the United exit door this summer. Gayle is set to seal a permanent move to Championship Stoke City.