One of Southampton’s key transfer targets this summer has been pictured on holiday with striker Adam Armstrong.
Southampton players not on international duty this summer will be enjoying their time off ahead of reporting for pre-season next month.
That is when the hard work will really begin, with Russell Martin looking to benefit from time on the training pitch to get his Southampton squad Premier League ready.
However, behind the scenes the task of building a squad capable of avoiding relegation has already begun, with Adam Lallana signed on a free to add to Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ permanent move.
One player the club are keen to have in their ranks next season is Ryan Fraser, the winger who spent last season on loan from Newcastle United.
Southampton target Ryan Fraser posts holiday picture with Adam Armstrong
Fraser was brought in by Martin last summer, with the manager keen to add his experience and ability to the squad.
It proved an inspired move for player and club, as Fraser made a telling contribution by scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 44 games in all competitions.
Both Fraser and Martin are keen to ensure the 30-year-old returns to St Mary’s this summer and the winger has now posted a picture showing he has already linked up with a teammate from last season.
Fraser posted a picture with Adam Armstrong on his Instagram story with the caption: “Back with my buddy. He couldn’t spend more than two weeks without me”.
Will Fraser secure Southampton return?
Last season’s loan spell was crucial for Fraser as he had fallen out of favour at Newcastle.
A victim of the financial takeover and Eddie Howe’s appointment as manager given the pair’s previous feud at Bournemouth, it was clear Fraser had no future at the North East club as he was frozen out of the first-team picture.
Fraser has a year left on his Newcastle contract but latest reports suggest the club could be willing to terminate his contract in order to facilitate a permanent exit to Southampton.
This would see the Saints secure vital Premier League experience for free and it would appear that a permanent move to the St Mary’s club is all but confirmed.