Report: Newcastle United delaying Matt Ritchie to Stoke City deal

Stoke City reportedly remain the frontrunners to sign Matt Ritchie from Newcastle United, but the Magpies first hope to line up a replacement.

Ritchie has been tipped to join the Potters in a £15m deal, while second-tier rivals Middlesbrough are also said to be in the running.

Newcastle are happy to let the Scotland international leave, but The Sun claims that a sale will only go through once they have brought in one of their own targets.

Crystal Palace wideman Andros Townsend is rumoured to be the man Rafael Benitez is chasing, with talks ongoing for the £18m-rated player.

Former Bournemouth ace Ritchie started 32 games for Newcastle in the Premier League last season, netting three goals and assisting five more.