Championship side cool their interest in Newcastle man
Championship side Stoke City have reportedly cooled their interest in Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie.
The Daily Mail reports that Gary Rowett’s men are turning their attention to Huddersfield’s Tom Ince as an alternative to Ritchie.
The Scottish winger was a key target for Stoke, but Newcastle were unwilling to sell before they had signed his replacement.
Ritchie played a key role in Newcastle’s promotion campaign, but Rowett is now turning his attention to Ince, who he worked with at Derby.
Stoke are looking to improve in the final as they close in on a deal to sign James McClean from West Brom, who Rowett had previously wanted to sign at Derby.
The news is likely to pour cold water over a potential return to St James’ Park for Andros Townsend.
The former England winger was being touted as a potential Ritchie replacement, but the deal was believed to be dependent on the latter joining the Potters this summers.