Brentford target to be approached by Southampton ahead of January

Southampton are reportedly poised to make a bid for Brentford-linked Ryan Fraser at Newcastle United. The winger is expected to move on in January.

According to a report by the Northern Echo, the Saints are ‘set’ to lodge an approach for the Scotland international as they start planning ahead for next month. They are going into their first transfer window under new boss Nathan Jones.

Brentford are said to be interested in the attacker as well this winter, as reported by the Telegraph, but the Bees face competition from a Premier League rival. Thomas Frank has an abundance of options in his position at his disposal already such as Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Keane Lewis-Potter and Mikkel Damsgaard.

Fraser, 28, joined Newcastle back in 2020 and has since made 59 appearances for the Toon Army, eight of which have come this season, and has chipped in with three goals. His contract in the North East expires in June 2025 but he is struggling for game time these days following the club’s takeover last year.

Prior to his switch to St. James’ Park, he spent eight years at Bournemouth and helped the Cherries rise from League One to the top flight during his time there. He is in need of a new challenge now and although Brentford are said to be keen, it appears Southampton are making the first move.