By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

1st Jun, 2023 | 11:57am

Sources: Newcastle United in advanced talks to agree Matt Ritchie deal

Newcastle United are in advanced talks with Matt Ritchie over a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

The 33-year-old’s current deal at the Tyneside club is set to expire at the end of the month, but Magpies boss Eddie Howe is pushing to keep hold of the senior winger.

Ritchie saw his game time restricted in 2022-23, but Howe is pushing the club’s board to get a new deal over the line as he still sees the experienced wide man as part of his plans going forward.

Howe is a big admirer of Ritchie’s leadership and professionalism and believes he can be a good role model to some of the younger players at the club.

The veteran had appeared all but certain to leave, but his situation has now changed following How’s intervention.

It is understood that Newcastle are prepared to offer Ritchie a one-year deal to stay in the North East.

Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for the first time in over 20 years this season, and Howe wants to ensure his squad is deep enough to compete on multiple fronts.

Ritchie was limited to just 10 appearances across all competitions this season, including only 32 minutes of Premier League action.

His only two starts in the season came in the EFL Cup and FA Cup against Tranmere Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

Ritchie ended the season out of the first-team squad after suffering a knee injury, with his latest cameo coming against Southampton in April when he came off the bench for the final few minutes of the match.

It is understood that Ritchie has received offers from other clubs to sign as a free agent this summer, with Football Insider sources revealing back in February that Championship, League One and Scottish clubs all enquired about Ritchie’s availability.

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