‘He’ll do well’: Former England international backs 26-year-old to join Newcastle

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Former Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser has been backed to thrive at Newcastle United, with Trevor Sinclair confident Steve Bruce’s “superb” man management skills can get the best out of the Scotland international (talkSPORT, 2 September, 11.50am).

This time last year, some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League were casting admiring glances at a winger who produced more top-flight assists than anyone except Eden Hazard.

12 months on, however, Fraser has spent the past eight weeks or so without a club, his reputation battered during a hugely disappointing campaign.

The former Aberdeen pocket-rocket struggled badly as Bournemouth slipped into the relegation zone.

He hardly endeared himself to Cherries fans when he refused to sign a short-term contract that would have kept him at the Vitality until the end of the 2019/20 season.

Fraser walked away in July, while three weeks later Bournemouth were relegated.

However, according to the former England and Premier League star, Steve Bruce is the ideal man to get Fraser, an archetypal “confidence player”, heading in the right direction again.

“Bruce’s man management skills are superb,” Sinclair said amid claims Fraser is Tyneside-bound. Even from a commentary position I’ve been down on the pitch and spoken to Steve Bruce and he comes across great. You can see he’s played the game and he understands players.”

Regarding the former Bournemouth man, Sinclair said: “Ryan Fraser has got to renew and win people over with his reputation. Not playing after lockdown when Bournemouth got relegated, he didn’t cover himself in glory in that situation.

“But he’s an exciting player, one of the old-school wingers. If he does get his opportunity (at Newcastle), I’m sure he will do well.”

The Telegraph reports Newcastle are closing in on a deal that would see Fraser join the Magpies for free, although the 26-year-old is waiting to see if alternative offers arrive.

Fraser produced just five goals and assists last season – a poor return compared with his tally of 21 from 2018/19.