Leeds United transfer target ‘absence’ from Newcastle United training ahead of move

Newcastle United want rid of Ryan Fraser this summer as Leeds United and Southampton show interest in the Scotland international.

The 29-year-old last featured for the Magpies last October following a falling out with head coach Eddie Howe earlier this year. From February onwards, Fraser trained with the under-21s and has been instructed to find a new club this summer.

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

Asked if Fraser had a future on Tyneside, Howe replied: “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 was regularly asked if there had been a change to the winger’s situation to which the 45-year-old has been blunt and replied with a simple “no”.

Both the first-team and under-21s reported back for pre-season training last week. Newcastle posted photos from the first day on their website but Fraser hasn’t been spotted in either gallery.

That is a big contrast to another Leeds United target Karl Darlow. The goalkeeper was pictured linking up with Howe’s squad on Sunday, despite expectation that he will leave St James’ Park after nine years this summer.

Darlow, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull City, has made 100 appearances since making the move from Nottingham Forest but has largely played second-fiddle to the likes of Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope.