Sam Allardyce believes Bournemouth will be ‘disappointed’ about the way Ryan Fraser’s time on the South Coast is coming to an end amid claims that Everton are leading the chase for the soon-to-be free agent, speaking to Alan Brazil on talkSPORT (19 June, 9am).
A few weeks ago, you’d have struggled to find anyone with a bad word to say about an honest and affable footballer who had impressed on and off the pitch with the Cherries.
But Fraser’s decision to reject a short-term contract extension and walk away from the club he joined seven years ago at the end of this month has not gone down too well – and not just with Bournemouth fans either.
The Cherries are stuck in the relegation zone and Fraser’s sudden departure, which will be confirmed on July 1, leaves Eddie Howe and co needing to secure safety without one of their star players.
Everton are leading the chase as it stands, according to talkSPORT, but former Toffees boss Allardyce has not exactly given Fraser a glowing reference.
“He’s dumped his agent of many years, so you can tell why he’s not going to play. If he’s changed his agent just before the end of the season, then his new agent has maybe got a contact waiting for him to move,” says Allardyce, referencing claims from the Mirror that Fraser joined forces with Paul Martin in May.
“I’m disappointed for the Bournemouth fans, his team-mates and Eddie (Howe). He’s had seven magnificent years at Bournemouth Football Club.
“(He’s) gone. Done and dusted.”
The Mirror (31 May, page 68) reports that Martin, Fraser’s new agent, also represents Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
This, understandably, has poured fuel on suggestions that the diminutive wideman could be snapped up by the Gunners on a bargain deal.
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