Bournemouth are preparing for life back in the Premier League under Scott Parker next season - and they already have their eyes set on some big name signings.

One such signing would see a reunion between club and player.

That's because the Cherries are keen to add Matt Ritchie back to their ranks, as reported by the Northern Echo.

The 32-year-old has struggled for regular game-time at the Magpies in the Premier League over the last three campaigns.

The Scot has made 18 appearances in the top flight every season for the last three years, but not all of those have been starts.

 

 

 

 

The winger then might fancy a fresh challenge elsewhere in the top division - and Bournemouth could present him with that opportunity.

He had 10 goal contributions in 37 games last time he featured for the Cherries and that too was in the top flight.

Ritchie then has certainly proven he can get the job done in the Premier League in the past and given regular action again, he could continue to deliver.

The issue is that he is used more sparingly with Newcastle and as more of a rotation option, whereas with the Cherries, he could become more of a first-team regular again.

The Toon then, considering his squad status, could be prepared to let him leave during the summer transfer window.

If they are, then Bournemouth could swoop in and bring the player back to the Vitality Stadium in what could be a cut-price deal.

It could give them some extra experience in their ranks and could be a step in the right direction for the club.

The Verdict

Matt Ritchie might be into his thirties now and isn't perhaps the same player that he once was back during his first stint with Bournemouth but it could still be a superb signing for the club.

He hasn't produced the same amounts that he once did in front of goal for Newcastle over the last two seasons but that could be put down to a drop in his game-time.

He's gone from a regular starter to a squad rotation option and any player that drops in and out of the side is unlikely to get going much.

With the Cherries though, there could be a more frequent spot on the wing for him going forward if he was to rejoin them.

The side will need more Premier League experience in their ranks as they aim to stay in the top flight and adding someone like Ritchie, who has produced the goods before, could really boost them.

Considering that a deal might also be done on the cheap and it seems like a 'must-do' deal for Bournemouth.