Newcastle United midfielder Matt Ritchie is keen on a return to Bournemouth.

The Sun says Ritchie is ready for a shock return to Bournemouth — with Josh King going the other way.

Scotland star Ritchie, 28, joined Rafa Benitez's Toon two years ago but could now return to Eddie Howe's Cherries as the clubs discuss ways of doing a deal for striker King.

Benitez wants King, 26, who is rated at £20million by Howe, but Newcastle want to pay less.

And it means Ritchie — who starred for Bournemouth between 2013 and 2016 — could now be used as a makeweight with a smaller price on his head, and Howe would love to have his wideman back.