Burnley boss Sean Dyche eyeing swoop for Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie
Dyche sees Ritchie as the perfect replacement for injured Robbie Brady, who is out for the rest of the season
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MATT RITCHIE has been spring-loaded on to the Burnley transfer radar.
Robbie Brady badly injured his knee against Leicester City last month and is expected to be out for the rest of the season.
Clarets' boss Sean Dyche is also thought to have Everton's Aaron Lennon, West Bromwich star James McClean and Jordan Jones of Kilmarnock in his sights.
But Newcastle United wideman Ritchie's crossing ability and skill at set pieces has also caught his eye, reports the Daily Mail.
Former Bournemouth man Ritchie, 28, joined the Toon in 2016 for £12million and his contract runs until 2021.
So far he has managed five assists in United's stuttering stop/start campaign following promotion from the Championship.
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In contrast, Burnley have done well and are lying seventh in the Premier League.
Whether Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is willing to part with Ritchie is another thing altogether.
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His decision may depend upon whether or not the club is sold.
If not, he may use Ritchie's fee to finance other incoming deals.
Ritchie is obviously highly valued by his Spanish manager.
He is Newcastle’s most regular first-teamer having started 20 of the 22 league matches.
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Last season he scored 12 times in the Championship and made seven assists.
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Life has obviously proved much harder in the Prem - although there is a welcome break this weekend.
Newcastle entertain League Two Luton in the FA Cup on Saturday before resuming top flight action against Swansea, Manchester City and Burnley.
Burnley face a difficult FA Cup date at Manchester City on Saturday.