Stoke City are struggling to negotiate a deal with Newcastle United for Matt Ritchie this summer, with the two clubs way apart on their valuation of the player.

Keith Downie from Sky Sports has provided an update on Twitter, confirming that a deal between Stoke and Newcastle is no closer, with the two clubs a way apart on a deal for Ritchie.

Newcastle value the winger at £15m+, as they want £17m Andros Townsend as his replacement. However, Stoke are offering just £11.5m to bring the winger back down into the Championship.

Ritchie, 28, has been with Newcastle for the last two years, making 86 appearances and scoring 19 goals for the Magpies.

The winger played a key role in helping Newcastle to promotion from the Championship during the 2016/17 campaign, returning 12 league goals for Rafa Benitez’s side.

In the Premier League last season, Ritchie continued to impress, scoring three goals and registering five assists in his 35 Premier League appearances.

Gary Rowett has identified Ritchie as a transfer target for Stoke this summer, as he prepares the Potters for their return to the Championship next season.

The Verdict

It’s a difficult deal to complete for Stoke, as Newcastle don’t have to budge on their valuation, particularly when you consider who their replacement would be.

It looks like Rowett will have to go to Newcastle’s asking price if he is going to sign Ritchie this summer.

If he does that, he will be getting his hands on a good player, however, he will be aware that better value might be elsewhere.

Will Newcastle sell to Stoke? Let us know your thoughts!

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