Latest: Reading boss speaks over move for Portsmouth’s Matt Ritchie amid Championship interest in Newcastle United favourite
Latest: Reading boss speaks over move for Portsmouth’s Matt Ritchie amid Championship interest in Newcastle United favourite.
Matt Ritchie is set to leave Pompey, and Reading are interested in signing the Fratton favourite.
The Royals’ manager, Noel Hunt, spoke today about the League One club’s interest.
Reading are ‘big admirers’ of Matt Ritchie as they consider signing the Pompey winger.
Noel Hunt praised the ‘fantastic’ Gosport player as he considers his future, with a move from Fratton Park expected before the summer transfer window closes.
Noel Hunt confirms Reading interest in Matt Ritchie
The out-of-favour Blues academy graduate is looking for a move away from PO4, and has considered joining forces with former Fratton striker Hunt.
Newcastle United’s new signing is also interested in the Championship and is currently considering his next move as he trains away from John Mousinho’s first-team group.
Hunt has now confirmed his admiration for Ritchie, as they look to strengthen their squad for a Championship push next season, having also signed Paddy Lane.
The former Republic of Ireland international was eager to show his appreciation for Pompey, with the 35-year-old still having a year left on his contract at his hometown club.
But Hunt’s appreciation of Ritchie was apparent, as the Royals wait for their chance to make a move for the player.
‘He’s a fantastic player and has played at the highest level for a number of years. A few of the boys know him.
‘Until we get permission to speak, we won’t do that because it’s not in our nature.
‘We’re a big admirer and know we want a supply of wide players that can give our nines something to attack in the box so we can be aggressive
‘There are loads of players out there but when they’re contracted to other teams, it’s unfair to speak about them.’
Failure to agree on playing time behind Ritchie’s likely Pompey exit
Ritchie’s days at Pompey are numbered, with the player and Mousinho unable to reach an agreement on the picture moving forward during his playing time this season. Speaking about the situation last month, the Blues manager told The News:
“We had a conversation at the end of last year and again a couple of weeks ago about Matt’s role this season and the possibility of playing time.” We basically ended up shaking hands and telling Matt that if other opportunities arise, he is free to pursue them.
‘Matt has a strong desire to continue playing in the Championship, and he contributed significantly to the team’s success last year.’
However, Matt’s expectations did not always align with mine or with those of our club. We wanted to end on a positive note and preserve Matt’s relationship, allowing him to pursue new opportunities.
Matt was probably expecting more playing time than last season. Matt is incredibly fit and ambitious; he started 28 games last season.
I’m pretty sure if you gave him the option, he’d be ready to start 46 games the following season.
‘We fully respect Matt’s desire to play as many games as possible, even at his age.’ There was no disagreement, and we ended up discussing it very amicably, which is the best way.
We wanted to avoid any disagreements later on, when the games started.
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