Celtic and Leeds suffer transfer ‘blow’ as Newcastle United star in talks with Southampton
Ryan Fraser is edging closer to the Newcastle United exit door after being frozen out the first-team picture.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has revealed Ryan Fraser is in talks over joining Southampton on a season-long loan.
The Scotland international last played for the Magpies in October 2022 after he was frozen out by Howe during the second half of last season.Fraser was told to train with the under-21s following a reported fallout between the pair, who have known each other for 10 years after Howe first signed the 29-year-old for AFC Bournemouth from Scottish outfit Aberdeen.
“Ryan is training with the under-21s,” Howe revealed earlier this year. “I made the decision to concentrate on the players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.
Asked if he saw a future for Fraser on Tyneside, Howe added: “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’s stance hasn’t changed. Fraser wasn’t included in the 45-year-old’s pre-season plans, resulting in the player missing both of the Magpies’ opening Premier League games against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
And speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Liverpool, Howe revealed Fraser, who has reportedly attracted interest from Leeds United and Celtic, is edging closer to the exit door.
“There may be something with Ryan happening regarding Southampton,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “A part of that, that’s all I know at the moment.”
Fraser was stripped of his No.21 squad number this summer before it was taken by Tino Livramento following his £30million move from Southampton.
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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers discusses Luis Palma, Reo Hatate and Liel Abada media reports
Brendan Rodgers has been asked about a number of important recent Celtic media reports.
It’s been a busy old period of Celtic news with players coming and going, injuries, contract talks and even more injuries.
Reo Hatate is one such player, but the Japanese star has reportedly rejected an offer from the club.
“I think [the discussions have] been ongoing from before I came in,” Rodgers said. “The club and his representatives have been trying to organise that, and they will continue with that I’m sure.”
Liel Abada is another the club wants to extend his deal. His contract situation hasn’t been quite as public as Hatate’s but Rodgers offered by far the most information on Thursday.
“Again, the agent has spoken with the club, and there’s dialogue at the minute. Obviously, the club is in a strong position.
“The club has done great with a number of players, a lot of players are tied to long-term deals. Of course, they want to reward and value the players, and give them the worth that they come to an agreement on. I think that’s what they are doing at the minute.
“Liel has years left on his deal, but we would like to reward him and one or two of the other players who have been here for a few seasons and done well. The negotiations are ongoing.”
So plenty of good information there. Rodgers certainly seems to be very open in the media right now, and he isn’t sugarcoating our tough current position as we covered earlier.
Celtic are hard at work on a number of fronts. Things are only likely to get busier next week as the transfer window enters its final days, we prepare for Ibrox and the UEFA Champions League group stage draw is made.
Bring it on, we say.
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