Newcastle open to Ryan Fraser exit as Leeds United want new transfer
Leeds United target Ryan Fraser is keen to leave Newcastle United this summer having been frozen out of Eddie Howe’s side last year, according to Dean Jones.
Speaking to Give Me Sport on Wednesday (2 August), the former Eurosport journalist shared that the Scottish winger is one player that Newcastle are eager to see move away from St James Park this summer as they aim to build a squad ready for their return to the Champions League.
Leeds and Southampton have been credited with an interest in the 29-year-old with the Whites originally linked with a double swoop of Fraser and teammate Karl Darlow [Shield Gazette, 20 July], but the former Bournemouth man still has two years on his Newcastle contract.
Discussing Fraser’s position with the Magpies, Jones said: “Newcastle are very much open to Fraser leaving but he is one of those that just hasn’t been able to find a move that is suitable.
“I have not heard anything to suggest he’s going to be able to work his way back into the plans so I think at this stage it is fair to assume he will follow Saint-Maximin out the door.”
Could surprise a few
It does seem surprising that Leeds are being linked with so many wide-men this summer, with the wings at Elland Road already incredibly well staffed by the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James and Luis Sinisterra, so it seems strange that they appear to be adding to their ranks.
Fraser may have had an indifferent time on Tyneside since making the switch from Bournemouth, but it wasn’t too long ago that he was one of the most highly regarded wingers in the Premier League, especially during the 2018/19 season.
At the Vitality Stadium that season Fraser managed to register 21 goal contributions in 38 Premier League matches and while that season is long in the rearview mirror now, a drop down to the Championship may allow him to breathe new life into his career.
The Scotsman may be able to be signed fairly cheaply should Newcastle be as desperate to be rid of him as they appear to be, but whether Leeds are willing to offer a wage that he would be happy to accept, rather than remaining out of action at St James Park.
This may be one to watch if exits start to happen again at Elland Road
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