Celtic and Leeds suffer transfer ‘blow’ as Newcastle United star in talks with Southampton

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has revealed Ryan Fraser is in talks over joining Southampton on a season-long loan.

The Scotland international last played for the Magpies in October 2022 after he was frozen out by Howe during the second half of last season.

Fraser was told to train with the under-21s following a reported fallout between the pair, who have known each other for 10 years after Howe first signed the 29-year-old for AFC Bournemouth from Scottish outfit Aberdeen.

“Ryan is training with the under-21s,” Howe revealed earlier this year. “I made the decision to concentrate on the players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.

Asked if he saw a future for Fraser on Tyneside, Howe added: “I think that’s a difficult one for me to answer because I’d never put a firm decision on that because life and football can change quickly.

“But I’d say at the moment, no he doesn’t.”

Howe’s stance hasn’t changed. Fraser wasn’t included in the 45-year-old’s pre-season plans, resulting in the player missing both of the Magpies’ opening Premier League games against Aston Villa and Manchester City.

And speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Liverpool, Howe revealed Fraser, who has reportedly attracted interest from Leeds United and Celtic, is edging closer to the exit door.

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“There may be something with Ryan happening regarding Southampton,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “A part of that, that’s all I know at the moment.”

Fraser was stripped of his No.21 squad number this summer before it was taken by Tino Livramento following his £30million move from Southampton.