'Low' - Manager says Newcastle United permanent January transfer is unlikely

Southampton boss Russell Martin admits a permanent move for Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser this month is unlikely.

Fraser fell out with Magpies head coach Eddie Howe during the middle of last season and didn't play competitively for 10 months before joining the Saints on a season-long loan deal in the summer.

And talk has already switched to whether the St Mary's club will sign the Scotsman permanently with the winger scoring six goals in 23 appearances. On Saturday, he scored a brace his side beat Walsall 4-0 in the FA Cup third round.

The 29-year-old is keen to remain on the South Coast beyond his loan spell. The feeling is shared by Martin but says a permanent bid is unlikely to arrive on Newcastle's table this month.

"I don't know, it's out of my remit really," Martin told the Daily Echo when asked if Fraser's loan could be made permanent this winter.

"Would I like to make it permanent? Yes. The chance of that happening I think, because of the finances involved, the timing and his situation, is low. 

"I don't know if it will be feasible right now but he just needs to keep doing what he is doing, he is in a really good place and enjoying it.

"We will see but I am pretty sure he would love to stay here beyond this season." 

Newcastle are keen to get Fraser off their wage bill before his contract expires in 2025. The winger has made 59 appearances since moving to St James' Park in 2020 as a free agent after leaving AFC Bournemouth.