Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Ryan Fraser has taken another twist after Bournemouth revealed he has refused to sign a short-term deal.
Kevin Phillips believes that Fraser is ready for a “big move” away from the Vitality Stadium in the summer. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker insisted that out-of-contract players should finish the season with their current club.
The Daily Star reported last month that Tottenham are the front-runners to sign the Bournemouth ace, amid interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Fraser has spurned the chance to sign an extension with the Cherries, while his teammates Simon Francis, Andrew Surman, Artur Boruc and Charlie Daniels have all agreed new deals, according to Sky Sports.
The player-turned-pundit told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs: “Eddie Howe will understand but he is trying to keep Bournemouth in the Premier League and you need your best players to do that.
“I am sure the thoughts of Eddie will be similar to the thoughts of Lee Bowyer regarding Lyle Taylor – they started the season, so you finish the season. But no one saw this coming, what happened [with the pandemic], of course, so I understand it from the player’s point of view.”
“Ryan Fraser is not young. He has a big move to a big club and he does not want to get injured. I understand.”
It is difficult to disagree with Phillips on this one, as Fraser’s dream is to move to Tottenham this summer. Football Insider claimed he may have already agreed terms with an unnamed Premier League club, and an injury could put a move in jeopardy, which is why he is unwilling to take any risks.
Although the Scottish international has failed to replicate the form he enjoyed last year, as he has registered just one goal and four assists so far, it is worth pointing out that he scored seven goals and provided 14 assists in the Premier League last season, a tally bettered only by none other than former Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard.
The 26-year-old will become a free agent when his contract runs out and Eddie Howe is adamant he will not play for the Cherries again. Fraser has shown he is incredibly dependable, as he last suffered an injury back in 2015, which could be a huge bonus for Jose Mourinho.
The Tottenham manager has been plagued by injuries to his options out wide. Indeed, Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn have only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines, with Bergwijn opening the scoring against Manchester United last week, and the Scotsman could provide injury cover for the wide forwards.
Although nothing is guaranteed, Daniel Levy could have gained a valuable asset for free if a deal is reached, and the winger may become a shrewd investment in the years ahead.
Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Ryan Fraser in the summer? Let us know down below!