Report: Ritchie set to join Newcastle from Bournemouth

Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie is reportedly on the verge of joining Newcastle United after the Scottish international was photographed on Tyneside Thursday ahead of a medical.

Ritchie, 26, is one of several players on Magpies gaffer Rafa Benitez's wishlist, and is slated to make a £12-million move from the south coast to the north, according to John Percy of the Telegraph.

It's understood that the initial fee of £10 million will be followed by an additional £2 million in add-ons with a weekly wage of £55,000.

The move for Ritchie comes on the heels of speculation suggesting that Andros Townsend is set to leave St. James' Park for Crystal Palace, prompting the like-for-like transfer.

Ritchie made 37 appearances for the Cherries last season, pairing four goals with six assists for Eddie Howe's lot. It was Ritchie's third season with the club after joining from Swindon Town in 2013 for a meager £500,000.

With Benitez slated to stay at Newcastle despite relegation from the Premier League, Ritchie is being targeted as part of the manager's ambitious rebuilding scheme.

The Magpies' offer for the 10-time international hasn't been the first interest in the player this summer after West Ham reportedly tabled a joint £25 million offer for Ritchie and Cherries mate Callum Wilson that was promptly rejected by the club.