According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are hoping to secure a permanent transfer for Ryan Fraser from Southampton this summer.
Fraser is now on loan with the Saints from the Premier League side after falling down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
The Scot is no longer regarded as an essential member of Eddie Howe’s first-team squad, and the hope is that he can be traded at the conclusion of the season.
Fraser has been a crucial member of the Saints’ team this season as the club battles for promotion to the top flight.
While now sidelined, he has appeared in 30 Championship games this season, scoring six goals and assisting twice.
Ryan Fraser transfer latest
Newcastle are thought to be eager to offload Fraser’s wages, as the winger is now paid £70,000 per week by the Magpies.
The top level club is aiming to improve their financial status so that they can reinvest in their first-team players this summer.
Newcastle must be careful of the league’s profit and sustainability criteria, since noncompliance will result in a points loss.
Fraser’s loan term has been deemed a success, and the club is hopeful that they may earn a price for a permanent move to the south coast this summer.
Southampton are said to be pleased with the player’s growth during his time at St. Mary’s and want to keep him beyond this brief term.
Fraser is also satisfied with his time with the Saints, where he has seen regular action in the Championship.
The 30-year-old has one year left on his current Newcastle contract, but he should be available at a reasonable price.
Southampton’s top goal contributors
| Southampton’s top 5 Championship goals + assists (As of March 9th) | ||||
| Player name | Goals | Assists | Total | |
| 1 | Adam Armstrong | 17 | 11 | 28 |
| 2 | Che Adams | 10 | 3 | 13 |
| 3 | Stuart Armstrong | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 4 | Samuel Edozie | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| 5 | Ryan Fraser | 6 | 3 | 9 |
Fraser is one of Southampton’s top five goal scorers this season as they seek promotion to the Premier League.
With six goals and two assists, he is one of Russell Martin’s top five Championship scorers.
The Saints are trying to return to the top flight for the first time this year, but they have lagged behind their competitors for automatic promotion in recent weeks.
Fraser’s injury has hampered their chances of finishing in the top two, but he is expected to recover quickly.
Permanent Southampton deal for Fraser makes sense
Fraser is likely to be available for a cheap sum, so negotiating with Newcastle should be straightforward.
The fact that the Magpies are struggling financially should benefit Southampton.
Fraser’s salary, on the other hand, may be a greater issue, since the Saints are unlikely to give anything near to the £70,000 per week he earns at Newcastle.
If an agreement can be reached on his salary, this should be a simple transaction to execute by the conclusion of the season.
Perhaps failing to achieve promotion would prevent a move, but Fraser appears to be content with the club, so this may not stop him from signing on a permanent basis.
