Russell Martin reveals Southampton’s stance on signing a new keeper
MANAGER Russell Martin insisted Southampton’s decision to sign a new goalkeeper will be dictated by another keeper leaving this summer.
Ryan Fraser back at Newcastle United with clear transfer ambition after Southampton spell
Ryan Fraser is back on Tyneside with his Newcastle future up in the air
Ryan Fraser is back on Tyneside and set to train with Newcastle United’s under-21 squad as talks continue over a possible move to Southampton.
The winger, who has been frozen out by Eddie Howe for over a year, has his heart set on another move to the south coast outfit after spending last season on loan at St Mary’s. Fraser played a key role after featuring 42 times in the Championship as Russell Martin’s side achieved Premier League promotion.
The 30-year-old still has one year to run on his Newcastle deal, with Southampton yet to agree a fee with the Magpies for the former Scotland international. Another loan deal between the parties remains a possibility before Fraser then becomes a free agent in the summer of 2025.
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The former Bournemouth winger was not included in Newcastle’s trip to the Adidas headquarters in Germany last week with a summer exit most certainly on the cards. Fraser and Howe’s falling out remains clouded in mystery, with the former not featuring in black and white since October 2023.
Southampton boss Martin remains keen to sign Fraser again this season as his side look to build a squad capable of avoiding the drop at the first time of asking. “People questioned why we signed ‘Wee Man’. I knew him so well as a teammate and he has had a really tough couple of seasons,” the Saints boss said after the Championship play-off final in May.
“He has been incredible for us. Not just with his performances but in training every day, the way he is has been amazing.”
Newcastle are also expected to sell Isaac Hayden this summer, while Jamal Lewis’ future remains up in the air after he started Saturday’s behind closed doors fixture against German third division side SpVgg Unterhaching.
