'What can I say?': 30-year-old Newcastle man leaves door wide open for summer move after successful loan spell

It's safe to say that Ryan Fraser and Eddie Howe won't be on each other's Christmas card list and now it looks like the former is angling for a permanent move away from Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe and Ryan Fraser already had a dodgy relationship before Howe took over the reins at St James' Park after the way the Scotland international downed tools during the COVID-19 pandemic while at Bournemouth, effectively refusing to play for them again and running down his contract.

Fraser got his move to St James' Park on a free transfer and his relationship with Howe was the hot topic when the gaffer took over. Both played it off as ancient history, but clearly all was not well as it wasn't long before Fraser was sent to train with the reserves.

This season he spent the entire campaign on loan at Championship side Southampton who were hoping to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Something which they did achieve via a scrappy 1-0 win over Leeds United in the play-off final on Sunday.

Fraser had a cheeky dig at former Magpie Adam Armstrong

With that game signalling the end of Fraser's loan spell on the south coast, the diminutive winger took to Instagram to say his goodbyes to The Saints, or in this case, more likely a "see you later".

"Saints fans, what can I say. From the first minute I arrived at this amazing club, to this moment achieving our goal together of getting promoted to the Premier League. Celebrating with you all in the most incredible way at Wembley is something I could have only dreamed about.

"I can’t thank you all enough for the support and making this year one of the best of my life!

"From the manager, who has helped the whole club come together in so many ways on and off the pitch, creating a family feeling for all of us. Every staff member that help push the club forward everyday.
To my team mates, in which I have gained so many good friends. (except Arma) [Fomer Newcastle man, Adam Armstrong]

"Who knows what this summer will bring hopefully we can spend next season together making more history but if not then I wish nothing but the best for this club going forward"

Fraser is very unlikely to play for Newcastle again

Whether or not he ends up going back to Southampton, it's probably a safe bet that, perhaps outside of pre-season friendlies, he's unlikely to be pulling on a Newcastle United shirt again.

Fraser made 59 appearances for Newcastle and was hit and miss to say the least. There was potential there, but he just never seemed to hit it and then when Eddie Howe came in, it was game over for the wee man.

The 30-year-old has a year left on his Newcastle contract but after arriving on a free transfer, and given all that's gone on behind the scenes, he's unlikely to command a high fee.