Newcastle United forward Matt Ritchie has ‘been told’ that he can leave the Premier League club in January, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player at Newcastle

The Magpies winger has been left out of Eddie Howe’s matchday squad for the last eight league games, with the 44-year-old revealing that the Scotland international has been suffering from a calf injury, hence his absence.

However, the 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and considering that he’s now viewed as more of a fringe player, it appears that the Tynesiders have made their stance on his future very clear.

The Latest: Ritchie free to leave

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones stated that Newcastle have made Ritchie aware that he will be put on the market in January, and it sounds like the winger won’t be short of potential suitors.

The journalist said: “I’ve been told that he is a player that has been told he can go in the New Year.

“I know there has been some interest from America, there are MLS clubs that like him, so that might be an avenue that opens up to him.”

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The Verdict: Correct call

Ritchie has been hailed as an ‘immense’ player by Josh Bunting, but whilst he has been a loyal servant over his six years at St James' Park, now would be the right time for Newcastle to let him go.

The Gosport-born talent has only played one minute of league football this season, which shows that Howe doesn’t have a place for him in his first-team plans anymore.

PIF are reportedly planning to make a box-office signing in the winter, and cashing in on fringe players like Ritchie will only further help to fund new additions in the future.