AFC Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall has confirmed Newcastle United want to 'keep' Matt Ritchie amid talk of a deadline-day reunion.
Ritchie enjoyed three successful seasons with the Cherries before completing a permanent switch to St James' Park in the summer of 2016.
The former Scotland international signed a new three-year deal on Tyneside last March, but was linked to a return to Bournemouth in the summer window.
A move back to the south coast failed to materialise and the 31-year-old has grown frustrated in recent weeks with his lack of game-time for the Magpies.
United head coach Steve Bruce confirmed the club were open to agreeing a deal for the wantaway winger, and said his future was 'up in the air' on Monday morning.
However, Bournemouth boss Tindall has seemingly ruled the deal out when quizzed about the prospect of Ritchie returning to the Vitality Stadium
When asked if the deal was off by BBC Radio Solent Sport, Tindall answered: "As we stand now, I'm led to believe it's not looking likely. My thoughts on Matty, I've expressed that before, how well he did for this football club in the past, and the type of character I know he is, and what he would bring.
"But I've got to respect he is a Newcastle player, and Newcastle want to keep him. I respect that decision, and when you identify one or two players you want to bring in and it doesn't quite work out, obviously there's going to be disappointment.
"The Matty one doesn't look like it's happening which is a big blow, because I felt that would have been a very good one for us."
