‘Increasingly unlikely’ - Newcastle United transfer breakthrough ‘nowhere near’ amid £3m contract battle
Ryan Fraser has not played for Newcastle United since the 1-0 win over Everton in October 2022
Southampton manager Russell Martin has admitted they are “nowhere near” re-signing Ryan Fraser from Newcastle United.
A bust-up with Eddie Howe saw the 30-year-old train with the under-21s before being loaned out to the Saints. Fraser went on to shine at St Mary’s, helping the club secure an instant Premier League return.
Both clubs are keen to strike a permanent transfer but various sources claim a dispute over his contract has held up the move. The Scotland international joined Newcastle on a free transfer in 2020 and, as a result, was given a lucrative contract.
One year remains on Fraser’s deal and there has yet to be a compromise, with Southampton unwilling to match his reported £60,000 per week wages. Consequently, Saints boss Martin conceded the winger may not rejoin the club.
“I am not sure that will happen,” he said on Wednesday. “That’s down to Newcastle. He did brilliantly for us last season, and I love him as a person and a player.
“He was really popular with the dressing room, fans and staff, but we are nowhere near a deal for Ryan. The longer it goes on, it looks increasingly unlikely.”
Fraser opened up about wanting to join Southampton permanently midway through last season. He said: “I love it here. I love coming in every day, loving football again is nice. I try to gain as much each time I come in and I try to wear the badge with as much pride as I can.
“At the end of the season, hopefully, I can stay. That’s my main goal, to stay at the club. I’m going to help the club as much as I can. Whether that’s goals and assists or things off the pitch like passing on advice to the young lads. Whatever is needed, I’m going to be there.”