Brentford and Southampton target free to leave Newcastle United before the end of the transfer window

Brentford-linked Ryan Fraser has reportedly been given the green light to leave Newcastle United before the end of the transfer window. The winger has fallen down the pecking order with the Premier League high flyers.

As detailed in a report by The Athletic, he is ‘free’ to leave the North East this winter in search of more game time and although the club would ‘prefer’ to sell him permanently, they will apparently listen to loan offers. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow has also been made available for transfer this month.

The Telegraph reported last month that Brentford and fellow Premier League side Southampton are ‘interested’ in signing the attacker. He has made eight league appearances so far this season.

Fraser, 28, was snapped up by Newcastle from Bournemouth back in 2020. He has since made 59 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with three goals.

The Bees could see him as someone to give them more competition and depth in attacking areas. With the long-term futures of Saman Ghoddos, Sergi Canos and Halil Dervisoglu (currently out on loan at Burnley) currently uncertain, another option would be useful. However, they have already brought in Kevin Schade from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Elsewhere, Brentford defender Rico Henry sat out of the weekend win over Bournemouth with a minor calf strain, as per the club website. They won 2-0 with Ivan Toney and Mathias Jensen scoring.