Newcastle United have already made it clear to Matt Ritchie that he is free to leave in the January transfer window, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What is the latest news involving Newcastle?

Newcastle have enjoyed a fantastic start to the Premier League season, typified by their recent 1-0 victory against Chelsea at St. James's Park, a result that preserved their spot in the Champions League places.

Since the Saudi Arabian PIF completed a takeover of the club last October, the club has been undergoing a process of transformation to compete for major honours, and Football Insider recently reported that Eden Hazard was a potential option on loan.

With that in mind, the Magpies may need to part with some of the old guard in the transfer window to free up space in the squad, and Matt Ritchie is a possible January sale.

What has Jones said about Ritchie?

Jones has indicated that Ritchie's time is up, after playing in black and white since moving from AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £12m in the summer of 2016.

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jones 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."

Should Newcastle let him go?

Although the 33-year-old has been a fine servant to the club, racking up 24 goals and 33 assists in 190 appearances for the Magpies, the time is probably right for him to move on to pastures new.

These goal contributions show that the stalwart is at a good level, but he is not at the standard required if the club are to make a serious bid for major honours in the near future, as highlighted by Howe giving him appearances in just two games in all competitions this season prior to a calf injury.

Allowing the English-born ace to leave in January would give Newcastle the possibility to bring in a new option to challenge Miguel Almiron for his place in the starting lineup, with Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk being tipped as a good potential signing by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Signings on this level have already catapulted the Magpies from being relegation threatened to Champions League contenders, and so more strength in depth is what is required if the PIF wish to continue their push for football's upper echelons.