Ryan Fraser undergoing medical ahead of season-long loan move to Southampton

Ryan Fraser is undergoing a medical ahead of a season-long loan move to Southampton, as confirmed by Eddie Howe in his pre-Liverpool press conference this morning.

The deal is not thought to include a purchase option or obligation, but the St. Mary's club are apparently covering a decent portion of the Scottish winger's wages.

Having been excluded from training with the first-team squad by Howe in February, Fraser was always likely to move on this summer, either permanently or on loan. Southampton always appeared a good fit for the former Bournemouth and Aberdeen player, too, following their relegation to The Championship last season.

The move allows Fraser to return to the south coast to play regular first-team football, removes a potentially toxic influence from Newcastle's training ground, and also helps the club in regard to financial fair play.

The 29-year-old is reported to be on around £42,000 per week at St. James' Park, so even if Southampton only pay half of his wages that could be a saving of around £2 million for the season.

Fraser was previously mooted as being part of a swap deal for Tino Livramento, who Newcastle signed from the Saints last month, though the St. Mary's club clearly didn't fancy paying a fee for him. Under contract until the end of next season, if the diminutive Scotsman is able to help fire Southampton back to the Premier League then a permanent transfer may be possible, though.