Celtic linked with 29-year-old EPL outcast

Celtic are reported to be ready to make a formal approach for Ryan Fraser.

The Scotland winger has been sent to football Siberia under Eddie Howe but has two years left to run on a very lucrative Newcastle contract.

Five years ago Howe and Fraser were key to Bournemouth’s steady progress in the EPL but that all changed towards the end of the 2019/20 lockdown season.

Fraser refused to extend his contract beyond June 30 to cater for the extended season, Bournemouth were relegated with Howe resigning.

As ‘luck’ would have it the two men were later reunited at Newcastle but after an early truce the new manager brought in his own signings with Fraser last playing in the EPL last October.

At lunchtime today The Northern Echo reported:

Fraser’s time on Tyneside is clearly at an end, despite him still having two years of his current contract to run, and Celtic are ready to make a formal approach in an attempt to take him to Parkhead.

Newcastle are unlikely to demand a significant transfer fee for the 29-year-old as they are simply keen to remove his wages from their books and draw a line under the current situation.

Celtic boss Brendan Rogers is keen to add another winger to his squad this month, with Fraser having been identified as a viable target.

Fraser would need to take a significant pay cut to move to Celtic but Newcastle could offer a sweetener to make it worth his while.

All options remain open but if Fraser is still at Newcastle on September 1 he will be looking at going past one year without playing with the prospect of a return to the Scotland squad increasingly unlikely.

Rodgers’ Secret Transfer Wishlist Revealed

Rodgers’ Transfer Ambitions: The Inside Scoop

As the summer transfer window heats up, Brendan Rodgers is under the spotlight. The Celtic manager, back for his second stint, is not just looking to maintain domestic supremacy but has his eyes set on European glory. But what does Rodgers really need to bolster his squad for the challenges ahead?

The Striker Situation

Rodgers’ Champions League aspirations for Celtic hinge on ensuring he has a robust attacking line-up. While the club has been active in the market, securing five new players with Gustaf Lagerbielke from Elfsborg rumoured to be the sixth, there’s a feeling more firepower is needed upfront. Especially with the potential vulnerability if their Japanese talisman, Kyogo, faces injury.

The whispers around Parkhead suggest a keen interest in Newcastle’s Ryan Fraser, adding to the intrigue. The winger’s pace and agility could be the missing piece in Rodgers’ puzzle.

Midfield Muscle

The midfield is another area Rodgers is keen to reinforce. Those in the know recall the impact of Victor Wanyama during Rodgers’ previous tenure in Glasgow. A player of Wanyama’s stature, known for his tough tackles and imposing presence, is what Celtic might need to stand tall against Europe’s elite.

Neil Lennon, the former Celtic boss, voiced similar thoughts, stating, “To compete in the Champions League, they’ll need that physical edge. They’ve got speed, but sometimes, they’ve lacked the height and physicality against top-tier teams.”

The Clock is Ticking

With the end of August approaching, the anticipation is palpable. Will Rodgers make the necessary additions to his squad? Only time will tell, but the consensus is that Celtic’s coffers will see some action.

For all the latest updates on SPFL, the Scotland national team, and more, stay tuned. And for dedicated Celtic and Rangers fans, our exclusive podcasts and newsletters are a must-follow this season.

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Report: Celtic linked with 29-year-old EPL outcast as Rodgers’ ‘Secret Transfer Wishlist’ Reveals