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Matty Hewitt

Why Ryan Fraser was sent to Newcastle United U21s with Leeds United interested

Leeds United know they're behind the early Championship pace setters when it comes to new arrivals this summer. The Whites returned to pre-season last week and Daniel Farke took charge of his first training sessions ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Brenden Aaronson all saw their departures confirmed by the club, with Leeds looking to bring in players in their absence. One name linked with a move to Elland Road this summer is Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser.

The Scotland international has been ostracised from the Magpies first-team set-up for the good of the first-team squad, according to Eddie Howe. Fraser played just 311 minutes of senior football under Howe at St. James' Park last season, but was one of the star men as the Toon pulled away from relegation at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

The winger, who also played under Howe at Bournemouth, left the Cherries in controversial manner after refusing to sign an eight-game extension to his expiring deal. Nonetheless, both parties have there were no issues between them.

READ MORE: England U21s' secret to success can help Charlie Cresswell take next Leeds United step

When asked about Fraser's omission from first-team action, having not been part of the squad since October, Howe told Chronicle Live in March: "I made the decision to concentrate on the players that are committed to Newcastle and for the benefit of the group I made that call."

Howe was also asked if Fraser could redeem himself and return to the first-team, but the Newcastle boss said: "I think it's a difficult one for me to answer. Because I've never put a firm decision on that because life can change quickly. At the moment he doesn't."

Fraser still has two years remaining on his current deal at Newcastle and was unable to a move away from the club in January despite talk he'd been transfer listed by the club's owners PIF.

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