Southampton manager Russell Martin is still hopeful of agreeing a deal for Newcastle United's Ryan Fraser this summer but admitted the club could be forced to move onto other targets if talks do not progress.
Fraser has returned to Newcastle after his loan spell at St Mary's and is currently training with the under-21 squad, having been sidelined from first-team activities. Despite this, Southampton is eager to bring the winger back after his successful stint last season.
The 30-year-old has his heart set on a move back to St. Mary's this summer, but with a year left on his contract at Newcastle, the negotiations have proven to be challenging.
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Martin has expressed his desire to re-sign Fraser in the coming weeks, providing some clarity on the situation amid the complexities of the talks. If progress remains stalled, Southampton may have to consider alternative targets to strengthen their squad.
Martin said to the Daily Echo: "I think we're all hopeful that at some point that will happen. But he's contracted to Newcastle. I think he would love to come back and we would love to keep him.
"Everyone wants him: Me, the fans, the owners, the players and the staff - Wee Man himself, but he is under contract at another club and a good contract.
"It's their prerogative to do what they want with him at the moment and unfortunately for us and for Wee Man, it's not what we want.
"There'll come a time where if a deal can't be done with Newcastle, we're going to have to move on to other people and I think that's a natural thing. So much of football is about timing and there might come a time where it's no longer viable for us or an option. We have to be looking at other people as well."
Fraser emerged as a key player in Southampton's promotion from the EFL Championship, registering six goals and two assists in just 13 starts.
