Championship promotion contenders urged to move for 'exceptional' Newcastle United winger

Southampton have been urged to make a permanent move for Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser after the Scotland winger impressed during a loan spell with the Championship club.

The 29-year-old joined the Saints on a season-long loan during the final week of the summer transfer window after being frozen out of Eddie Howe's plans at St James Park. After taking his time to settle on the south coast, Fraser has gradually found his feet and is playing a key role in helping Russell Martin's side push for promotion back into the Premier League.

Fraser had to wait until his ninth appearance to find the new for his temporary employers as he scored in a 2-1 away defeat against Hull City in October before doubling his tally with the only goal in a win at Millwall just under three weeks later. As it stands, the former Aberdeen and Bournemouth star has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances in all competitions for Southampton and that has convinced one former Saints star Fraser is ready to shine on a permanent basis.

Speaking after Fraser scored in the Saints' 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion on Friday night, former Southampton and Bournemouth star Jo Tessem insisted the Magpies winger has 'Premier League quality' as his old club look to secure their return to the top tier at the first attempt.

He told BBC Solent: “He is an exceptional football player, quick, and finds his position very good in there, causing problems. For him, getting back to the Premier League with Southampton and getting a new life into him would be absolutely fantastic because he has Premier League quality, and when he gets up to his best, it is pretty close. I think he has more to give and I think we need to get him signed for next season, whatever happens.”