Second bid for Cherries man on the cards

Sean Whetstone

8 years ago

Categories: News

According to John Perry in the Daily Telegraph West Ham are weighing up a second bid of £8 million for Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie.

The broadsheet claims Slaven Bilic is ready to return with an improved offer for the Scotland international after a joint bid for Ritchie and striker Callum Wilson was rejected last month.

Bournemouth were furious after West Ham’s £20 million proposal was tabled hours before their rearranged trip to Manchester United and manager Eddie Howe insisted the club had no intention of selling..

The report claims the Hammers are prepared to pay an initial £8 million, rising to a possible £10 million in instalments. It is understood that West Ham contacted Bournemouth on Wednesday in an attempt to reopen negotiations but were warned not to make another bid.

However, West Ham believe a deal can be done and their second offer is expected in the next few days.

Ritchie is believed to have met with Howe shortly after the end of the season and expressed an interest to hold talks with West Ham, who are also preparing for the Europa League after finishing seventh.

Signed for just £500,000 from Swindon in January 2013, Ritchie played a key role in Bournemouth’s climb up the leagues and scored four goals last season in the top flight.