Prem boss dismisses reports suggesting Celtic could sign his 29-year-old

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is unaware of speculation suggesting Ryan Fraser could leave the Premier League giants for Celtic before the close of the transfer window. 

A lot has changed at St James’ Park since Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United snapped up Ryan Fraser from AFC Bournemouth on a free transfer back in the summer of 2022. And we don’t just mean in the dugout, either. 

Perennial underachievers upon Fraser’s arrival, the high-flying Magpies are anything but these days. And while Eddie Howe may have coaxed career-best performances out of the diminutive Scot during their time together at Bournemouth, the outstanding form of Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak and co – and the subsequent arrival of Harvey Barnes – has seen Fraser fall by the wayside. A relic from a bygone and not-exactly nostalgic era.

According to the Daily Record, Fraser is now being offered around to a number of clubs ahead of September’s transfer deadline. Celtic among them. 

But, when quizzed about those Hoops links at his Friday press conference, Howe was quick to distance himself from the speculation. 

Newcastle reportedly offer Ryan Fraser to Celtic

“Not that I know of,” Howe told the Northern Echo. 

Fraser played only eight Premier League games in 2022/23. And while he did miss much of the campaign due to a hamstring injury, the one-time Aberdeen flyer was hardly a regular in Howe’s plans when fully fit.

“He is a good player and has not been played regularly of late. I am not too sure if he is in Howe’s plans. And they are looking at the top end market now, Newcastle,” Celtic legend John Hartson tells Go Radio.   

“Ryan Fraser is a talent. And joining Celtic would be a very wise move as he has a lot to prove as well.

“Newcastle almost want to give him away and get him off the wage bill, so they can move on and look to invest in another player.” 

Another former Celtic forward, however, believes Wolves’ Daniel Podence would be a more fitting addition. The Scottish champions would have to stump up a club-record fee for the Portugal international.