Southampton look set to complete their second signing of the summer despite the fact the transfer window does not officially open until 14th June.
Manager Russell Martin has the job of working alongside owners Sport Republic to build a Premier League squad following play-off success just weeks ago.
Southampton have already secured one player’s future this summer, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis‘ loan deal made permanent alongside promotion; with the terms negotiated with Manchester City meaning the Saints were obligated to buy the 22-year-old for £20 million.
The St Mary’s club benefitted from the loan market as they had to do some major repair work to the squad following relegation in 2023, finishing the season with five players on loan deals.
Harwood-Bellis was of course one of those five, and now reports suggest a second is about to make their loan permanent imminently.
Southampton have ‘agreed’ to sign Ryan Fraser from Newcastle United
That player is Ryan Fraser, the Scot who revived his career at the south coast club last season.
Having fallen out of favour at Newcastle United since their takeover, Fraser was in limbo.
Add into the mix the fact that the player had fallen out with Eddie Howe when the pair were both at Bournemouth and it was difficult to see a way back for the 30-year-old in the North East.
Martin played alongside Fraser for Scotland and convinced the club that his experience and quality would be a huge asset for Southampton in their bid to secure an instant return to the Premier League.
The Saints boss was proved correct, as Fraser contributed some important goals across the campaign and impressed at left wingback during the play-offs.
Now, with promotion confirmed, the club are keen to ensure they can lean on his top level experience again next season and The Athletic are reporting a deal is ‘agreed’.
According to The Athletic’s Transfer Deal Sheet: ‘Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser has agreed a deal with Southampton and is set to leave St James’ Park, subject to the final details being confirmed.’
Securing loan players’ future Russell Martin priority
With Harwood-Bellis signed and Fraser edging towards being confirmed as a Southampton player, the next priority is ensuring fellow loanee Flynn Downes is a Saints player next season.
Downes was the player Martin wanted most when he took over as Southampton manager last summer and the 25-year-old showed exactly why that was as he was pivotal throughout the season.
The fact that David Moyes has now departed parent club West Ham United and been replaced by Julen Lopetegui complicates matters, but is believed the Hammers will still listen to offers if they feel a deal is worthwhile.
If Martin can add Downes to Harwood-Bellis and Fraser it would be a very good start to the window and the club can then turn their attention to new players who will add further quality to the squad ready for a Premier League survival bid.