Pundit issues ‘shock’ Ryan Fraser verdict amid Newcastle United transfer update
Newcastle United should reconsider selling Ryan Fraser this month.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the winger’s future.
According to the Northern Echo (5 December), Southampton are set to make a January move for Fraser, 28 – with Brentford also interested in his services.
On 2 December, Luke Edwards reported the Scotland international will be allowed to leave in January after barely featuring for the Magpies this season.
Fraser has made eight Premier League appearances this term though only three of those have been starts and he wasn’t afforded any minutes as Newcastle crashed out of the FA Cup against League One side Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (7 January).
“Maybe a bottom-end Premier League club might have a place for him,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“I saw Southampton were interested in him a while ago. In terms of Newcastle, I think he is a handy squad player to have about even if he hasn’t been playing.
“It’s a bit of a shock, how little he’s played. He might not be good enough to nail down a starting position every week but he does have qualities. It depends on who Newcastle are going to bring in as well.
“If they do let him go, a team fighting relegation could be perfect for him. He came into Newcastle on a free and he has done pretty well.
“If Newcastle don’t want him then I’m sure he would be happy to go but as I say I think he is a good squad player.”
Fraser has made 59 total appearances for Newcastle.
He has scored three goals and provided three assists in those outings.
In other news, pundit backs Eddie Howe after “bizarre” Newcastle United development this week.