Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley admits he would 'love' to secure a January move for Newcastle United veteran Matt Ritchie. However, the League One manager has cast doubt over whether the club could afford an imminent move for the Premier League winner.
Recent reports have suggested Newcastle are open to a January sale of Ritchie, who has made just two black-and-white appearances so far this season. The 33-year-old has entered the final year of his contract on Tyneside, and it is unlikely the former Bournemouth star will be offered a contract extension.
Ritchie has previously declared his desire to play for Portsmouth again before hanging up his boots. Born and raised in nearby Gosport, the winger made just 10 senior appearances for the club before leaving for Swindon Town in 2011.
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Cowley is confident Ritchie will 'finish his career' at Fratton Park, and admits he would welcome the arrival of the former Scotland international. However, the prospective finances required could prevent an immediate homecoming for the Magpies winger.
He told The News, Portsmouth : "I’d like him, is that possible? Well, we’d love to have Matt Ritchie. I’m not sure we’d be able to cover his wages coming to Portsmouth, though!
‘That said, he loves the club and he’s been to a couple of games with his boys. We’d like him - I think our xG would go up then and there will be no moaning about set-pieces! I do think he will finish his career at Portsmouth, though."
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