There are plenty of players who Newcastle United desperately need to get rid of this summer, one of which is Ryan Fraser.
The 29-year-old is still with the club despite being dropped from the first-team by Eddie Howe on the eve of the Carabao Cup final.
Fraser has not been seen since, and Newcastle are now looking to get him out of St James’ Park. Dan Ashworth confirmed this, with Toon officials also trying to find new homes for Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden.
Time is running out for Newcastle to get rid, but an option might be on the horizon. That is because Celtic have been linked with a move for Fraser.
They are reportedly keen to sign the Scotland international, as Brendan Rodgers eyes attacking reinforcements between now and the end of the transfer window.
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Barry Ferguson does not expect to see the pint-sized winger in green and white anytime soon, and now Celtic legend John Hartson has given his view on Fraser’s future.
John Hartson thinks Ryan Fraser’s wages could be a problem
Hartson has been speaking on Go Radio about Celtic’s interest in Fraser, and believes that wages could be a problem for the Hoops amid Newcastle’s desperation to get rid.
“He is a good player and has not been played regularly of late,” he said.
“I am not too sure if he is in Howe’s plans and they are looking at the top end market now, Newcastle. Ryan Fraser is a talent and joining Celtic would be a very wise move as he has a lot to prove as well. Newcastle almost want to give him away and get him off the wage bill so they can move on and look to invest in another player.
“It’s just whether or not Celtic want to take on Ryan Fraser. It was mentioned 30k a week, that is almost up there with the top earners. Ryan Fraser has been a very good player and I thought he lit the Premier League up at times when at Bournemouth.”
Anywhere will do for Newcastle
Hartson seems to believe that Fraser would be a decent addition to the Celtic squad, but the only issue could be his wages.
That is Newcastle’s problem too, as the club desperately need to get him off the books. He has no role on Tyneside anymore, and is merely a waste of resources.
With Newcastle having financial fair play issues, it is vital that they get rid of the likes of Fraser. It does not matter where they go, as long as they go.
Whether it is to Celtic or someone else, Newcastle must move him on in the next couple of weeks.
Hopefully his wages aren’t an issue and we do see Fraser move to Celtic, as they are the only club who appear to be interested in a deal at this moment in time.