Middlesbrough, Stoke City interested in Matt Ritchie?

Middlesbrough and Stoke City are reportedly keen on signing Newcastle United forward Matt Ritchie.

The Scotsman scored three goals and assisted six others in 35 Premier League appearances last season as the Magpies secured a top-half finish in the top flight.

According to The Mirror, Championship duo Boro and Stoke have earmarked Ritchie as a priority as they prepare to push for promotion next term.

The newspaper adds, however, that the 28-year-old is keen on staying in the top division and would need to be persuaded over a drop back to the Championship.

Ritchie, who left Bournemouth for his current employers in 2016, netted 12 times during the 2016-17 season to help guide Newcastle back to the Premier League.