Southampton manager Russell Martin has revealed that the prospects of Newcastle United loanee Ryan Fraser signing a permanent deal this month are ‘slim’.
Southampton signed winger Fraser on loan from Newcastle United during the summer transfer window. He’d slipped well down the pecking order at Newcastle and moved on in search of more game time away from St. James’ Park.
While the Scot has only started four Championship games, he has appeared in every league game save one since his arrival. Overall, he has six goals and two assists in 23 games across all competitions, including his first start since November in the FA Cup victory over Walsall at the weekend.
Fraser scored twice and assisted one in the 4-0 victory over League Two opponents, and his performance sparked speculation about a permanent contract.
According to the Daily Echo, Southampton manager Martin has conceded that despite interest from both parties, a permanent deal this month seems improbable. He said:
“I don’t know, it’s out of my remit really.
“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.”
One for the summer?
While circumstances may not allow for a permanent shift this month, you can’t help but think this is something that may be done over the summer. It depends on how Southampton’s promotion attempt goes, but if they have the money, Fraser would be a viable signing.
He is not in Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe’s plans. He’ll be returning to the north east with a year left on his contract, so the Magpies will relish the opportunity to offload Fraser’s price and pay.
Southampton have provided Fraser with much-needed game time this season, and if starting possibilities begin to increase, you can’t help but believe it’s a move that will appeal to him as well. His performance at Walsall and brace off the bench against Swansea City on Boxing Day demonstrated what he can add to Martin’s squad, but a long-term deal may have to wait until the summer.
Leave a Reply