Player Everton wanted in January now dropped to U21 squad as manager suggests he isn’t focused

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Everton wanted to sign Ryan Fraser from Newcastle in January as Sean Dyche attempted to make some late reinforcements at Goodison Park.

It was 90min who claimed that Dyche asked Everton to sign the Scotland international after losing Anthony Gordon to the Magpies, although a move failed to materialise and the Toffees ended January with no new signings.

Now, it could be suggested that Fraser had his head turned by the Merseysiders.

What’s the story?

Well, speaking ahead of the weekend’s Premier League action, Eddie Howe confirmed that he has dropped Fraser to Newcastle’s Under-21 side, and suggested that the 29-year-old is not committed to the Magpies.

As quoted by The Shields Gazette, the 45-year-old said: “Ryan’s training with the Under-21s. I made the decision to concentrate on players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.”

When asked if Fraser has a future on Tyneside, Howe added: “I’d say at the moment, no he doesn’t.”

Those are some pretty strong comments, and if Everton manage to stay in the Premier League this season, it would seem that a move to sign the Scottish winger could be quite straightforward.

Everton should abandon Ryan Fraser interest

In our view, Everton should now abandon their interest in Fraser.

It made sense to target the £63,000-a-week man in January, as time was running out and a winger was needed in the wake of Gordon’s exit.

However, the summer transfer window offers Everton more time to make a signing in that area who would be less of a panic buy, and by the sounds of it, Fraser is not the type of character Dyche should be targeting.

Whatever happens, Fraser’s career certainly seems to be in limbo after he found a way to upset Howe, and he has plenty of work to do if he is to turn the situation around.