Eddie Howe offers blunt assessment of Ryan Fraser’s situation

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that wantaway winger Ryan Fraser has played his last game for the club.

Fraser, whose contract expires later this month, declined to sign a short-term extension to remain at the Vitality Stadium until the end of the prolonged Premier League season.

The 26-year-old will not be involved in Saturday’s home game against Crystal Palace or next week’s trip to Wolves as the 18th-placed Cherries scrap for survival.

“I don’t think I was particularly surprised by his decision. I think it’s been clear to us as a club for some time that Ryan wasn’t going to sign a new contract with us,” Howe said at a press conference.

“He’s now played his last game for the football club, he won’t be involved with us for the last nine games.”

Scotland international Fraser joined the Cherries from Aberdeen in January 2013 and made 208 appearances for the club, scoring 24 times.

Howe added: “I only want players who are fully focused on the relegation battle that we have ahead and I’m looking forward to doing that with my squad.

“These are the most important games this football club has had in recent times and we need everybody in the same position mentally, fighting tooth and nail, giving everything for the football club, and Ryan unfortunately, due to his contractual situation, can’t commit to that.”

Fraser will leave at the end of the month and reports have suggested that both Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in the wideman.

However, The Athletic claimed earlier this month that neither side will move for the winger as a priority and have other targets on their radar ahead of him.

The Scotland international has struggled to recreate his form this term, scoring one goal and assisting four others. However,the Daily Mail, report that Fraser has told his team-mates that he sees Everton as his best option for a move this summer.