Manchester United linked to Ryan Fraser

Manchester United have been linked to Bournemouth’s 25-year-old winger Ryan Fraser, in a story that requires some padding to convince you it is not enough to just read that first sentence and go elsewhere.

The Sun is called an ‘exclusive’ in the Sun, and you can judge its credibility for yourself. Apparently, United will face competition for his signature, from Liverpool and Arsenal, both of whom Michael Thomas played for about three decades ago.

Fraser is a right-footed winger, but plays predominantly on the left wing for Bournemouth, though he has also played at right-back for his club. He is only five foot four, but is nonetheless taken seriously as a footballer so presumably he has plenty of technical talent.

The reason for the interest in the player is that he has 14 assists this season, second only to Eden Hazard, but also because he has one year left on his contract, and has shown no indication that he is prepared to sign a new deal to stay at Bournemouth. That leaves Eddie Howe, like Alan Partridge’s former teacher, in an invidious position. They must lose him for a relatively low sum - the Sun mentions £30 million as a fee that should be sufficient - which means that he would be a cheaper option than many of the other wingers in the Premier League.

United could use Fraser for his versatility, and he would likely get games both on the left wing ahead of the feckless Anthony Martial, and also would offer competition to Diogo Dalot and any other right-back who arrives in the summer.