The future of Matt Ritchie is a glimpse into the 'freedom' Eddie Howe has at Newcastle United when it comes to departures from the club.
With Ritchie far from guaranteed first-team football at Newcastle, having him take up a wage while not kicking a ball may have seen the previous owner, Mike Ashley, cash in to free up some resources. Yet under the new ownership, Howe has the chance to keep those around who offer more than just ability on the pitch.
It's a sign of a more rounded approach at Newcastle where leadership and influence off the pitch are recognised as vital within the club. Several times over the last few seasons Ritchie has been linked with an exit from Tyneside - including back to his previous club Bournemouth.
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Once again this summer has seen him linked with leaving Newcastle but so far nothing has materialised. The winger played his role in the 5-1 victory over Gateshead earlier this month and is part of the squad currently in Austria.
For Chronicle Live's Newcastle United Editor Aaron Stokes, keeping Ritchie at the club could prove crucial in the season ahead - and provides an insight into the massive change in approach within the boardroom.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Everything is Black and White Podcast, he noted: "It goes down to the change of ownership because in previous years Mike Ashley would have said 'no, we need to get rid of him because he's not playing,' but whereas now Eddie Howe has got the freedom to keep who he wants. They don't have to sell anyone he doesn't want and they don't need to raise that much capital.
"Matt Ritchie is a squad player and a decent option. Ritchie and Eddie Howe have a good relationship and have known each other for years - they get on.
"With Ritchie being 32 now, if the offers don't come in for him, then Howe will keep him around the dressing room. He's a good influence, he's got passion and we've seen what he is like with the other players - he's clearly well respected and a popular figure.
"I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay - he offers versatility. He's a good presence to have around the squad, they get on really well and he's clearly very well-liked. If he's happy to get that much game time, it's a good option to keep rather than just pushing him out of the door for selling sake."
With Newcastle in the market for a winger and having already signed Matt Targett at left-back - a position where Ritchie has played often - the Scottish international's chances of first-team football may be limited.
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