Serie A outfit Empoli are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser this summer.
The Scotland international last played for the Magpies in October 2022 after he was frozen out by head coach Eddie Howe during the second half of last season.
Fraser was told to train with the under-21s following a reported fallout between the pair, who have known each other for 10 years after Howe first signed the 29-year-old for AFC Bournemouth from Scottish outfit Aberdeen.
“Ryan is training with the under-21s,” Howe revealed earlier this year. “I made the decision to concentrate on the players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.
Asked if he saw a future for Fraser on Tyneside, Howe added: “I think that’s a difficult one for me to answer because I’d never put a firm decision on that because life and football can change quickly.
“But I’d say at the moment, no he doesn’t.”
Howe’s stance hasn’t changed. Fraser wasn’t included in the 45-year-old’s pre-season plans, resulting in the player missing both of the Magpies’ opening Premier League games against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
And following the £30million arrival of Tino Livramento from Southampton, Fraser was stripped of his No.21 squad number before it was handed to the England under-21s right-back.
Sky Italia reports that Empoli are exploring the possibility of signing Fraser but only on loan. The Italian club, however, are only willing to half of winger’s reported £70,000-a-week wages.
Leeds United and Celtic are also among the clubs to be linked with Fraser.
