Newcastle United star set to return and demand summer transfer after Eddie Howe fallout
Newcastle United are looking to offload Ryan Fraser permanently to Southampton
Ryan Fraser is set to return to Newcastle United’s under-21 setup as he nears a St James’ Park exit.
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Southampton - where he earned Premier League promotion with a play-off win over Leeds United. His departure came following a bust-up with Eddie Howe, an incident he opened up about last season.
"We have helped each other," Fraser told Southampton's media channel. "It's obviously a little bit awkward now after what happened (the disagreement).
"We're probably not on the best of terms, but I don't regret anything we have done together. He was unbelievable with me. I did well for him. I learned as a player from him. It's sad how it ended but, at the same time, it's ended now and I'll always cherish the years that we had."
Fraser is understood to have finalised personal terms with Southampton but Newcastle are yet to complete formalities on their side. Training with the under-21s - which The Chronicle claim he is set to do - threatens to create a stink at Benton and both parties are keen to strike a deal.
Speaking last October, the winger admitted he hoped for a permanent switch to the south coast. He said: “I love it here. I love coming in every day, loving football again is nice. I try to gain each time I come in and I try to wear the badge with as much pride as I can.
“I try to give as much as I can every day and not waste a second while I come in. At the end of the season, hopefully, I can stay.
“That’s my main goal, to stay at the club, but there are a few goals to try to get there. First and foremost my aim is to help the club get promoted, and it would be nice to stay.”