Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he wants to keep hold of Matt Ritchie.

Ritchie was tipped to leave St James' Park this summer after six years on Tyneside and many deemed his substitute appearance at Burnley as some type of farewell. But Howe stated that was never the case and made it clear he would like to keep Ritchie in the squad in an ideal world.

When asked about Ritchie, Howe said: "It wasn't farewell or intentional from my side. I think it's well documented my relationship with Matty, we go so far back. The respect for him I have as a person. He's been incredible for me.

"Matty's own personal situation he will have his own thoughts. Mine is to try and keep him but it's well documented that Matty has been away from his family for a long period of time.

"He loves playing for Newcastle and is very passionate about the club. But I think it is unclear what direction we will take this year but from both sides there is a lot of respect."