Reports from the Daily Record recently linked Newcastle United to Bournemouth’s winger Ryan Fraser. However, the latest update from the Mirror indicates that the Magpies are more or less out of the race as Fraser is only willing to leave Bournemouth for the top six sides.
Reportedly the Scotsman was linked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal as well. Therefore those two clubs should now be in pole position to sign the in-form Bournemouth player. The Toon were willing to offer a cash plus player deal for him. The player who could have moved to the Cherries was their former player Matt Ritchie. However, Fraser is unlikely to move to Newcastle now after the recent updates.
Why Fraser is in demand?
The Aberdeen born winger has been quite influential for Bournemouth this season, and the 25-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough campaign with them. The Cherries are once again expected to avoid relegation with ease, and Fraser has played a huge role in that in the attacking third.
Fraser has managed an impressive tally of 8 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, and it is no surprise that some of the Premier League heavyweights are targeting him.
An inevitable blow for Benitez?
Bournemouth and Newcastle United are more or less at the same level in the Premier League, and it was always going to be tough for the Spanish manager to lure the 25-year-old in the summer. Fraser is a regular starter under Eddie Howe so it was always going to be unlikely that he would prefer a move to Newcastle. With Arsenal and Tottenham, the Scotsman can get a chance to play in the European competitions. Spurs have been regularly challenging for the Premier League, and it is no surprise that Fraser is only willing to move to the top clubs.
What now for Newcastle United?
Fraser is a left winger, and Newcastle United signed Miguel Almiron recently who currently occupies that role for the Toon. Almiron can be more threatening if gets to play in central areas, so maybe Benitez was looking at Fraser to allow Almiron to play in his more preferred position.
Another option who can play on the left is Kenedy, but he is set to return to Chelsea after his loan spell expires. Therefore the club will need a left winger for the summer, and the Tyneside outfit might have to look at other options now.
