Robert Snodgrass is ready to escape from the West Ham wilderness by moving to Newcastle.
The Scotland winger has struggled to nail down a spot in Slaven Bilic’s starting 11 since his £10million move from Hull in January.
And with the Hammers bringing in more players this summer he faces an even bigger fight to get into the side.
The 29-year-old didn’t even make the bench as West Ham kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
Snodgrass has been told he is surplus to requirements and is now set to move on before the transfer window closes.
The Hammers want to recoup some cash but will consider a loan deal to get him off the wage bill. That has alerted Toon boss Rafa Benitez, with Brighton, Aston Villa and old club Leeds also interested.
But a move to St James’ Park would appeal most with Snodgrass joining Scotland team-mate Matt Ritchie on Tyneside if a deal is sealed.
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And Ritchie insists the Toon won’t be stuck in a battle against the drop – despite starting the season with a 2-0 loss at home to Spurs.
They face fellow promoted side Huddersfield on Sunday and the winger said: “One of the manager’s biggest strengths is that he never panics. That spreads throughout the group.
“We are very calm and we go focused to Huddersfield.
“I don’t think we’re going to struggle.
“Every game is going to be tough but we have positivity throughout the group.”