STOKE CITY are ready to test Newcastle United’s resolve to hold on to Matt Ritchie by tabling a £15m offer for the winger.

Both Stoke and Bournemouth have discussed the possibility of signing Ritchie, although Middlesbrough, who have also been linked with the winger, have not held talks.

Stoke’s interest is at the most advanced stage, and new Potters boss Gary Rowett is ready to force Newcastle’s hand by making a £15m bid.

Rafael Benitez will be reluctant to lose Ritchie, who was one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers last season.

However, the Magpies manager has accepted he will once again be working to a tight budget, and could opt to cash in on Ritchie if it increases the scope for him to be able to make signings of his own.

Benitez remains interested in Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, who is valued at around £20m by his current employers.

Ritchie joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in the aftermath of their relegation to the Championship, and will be understandably reluctant to drop down to the second tier after performing so well in the top-flight last season.

Rowett refused to confirm his interest in Ritchie when the issue was raised yesterday, but the Stoke boss strongly hinted that the Scotsman is on his wanted list.

When asked whether Ritchie was a target, he said: “We’ve got a very varied list out there, and I’ve always said the same – when you’re linked with players, they are not always true, but often some of them are. We want the level of player we are being linked with. That’s the type and level of player.”