RYAN Fraser says he's the "happiest man in Southampton" after leaving Newcastle and re-joining Saints on a permanent deal.

Fraser spent last season at St Mary's and played a key role in Southampton's promotion, making 44 appearances.

The winger was desperate to make that switch permanent this summer, as was Southampton manager Russell Martin, and a deal was finally agreed in the last two hours of the window.

Fraser leaves Newcastle having made 59 appearances for the Magpies. His last appearance in black and white came in October, 2022.

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The former Bournemouth winger has signed a two-year deal at St Mary's, and said: "I'm probably the happiest man in Southampton at the minute.

"It's been a long summer from the play-off final to now, but my number one goal was to get back here and now that it's happened, it's one of my proudest moments to be honest. Probably second after winning the play-offs. So yeah, it's really nice to be here.

"I think the journey that the players and the fans went through last season, we came together and it's amazing to be back."

Southampton manager Russell Martin said: “Wee Man played such an important part in our squad last season, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, and all of us are delighted to have him back.

“Everyone could see the quality and creativity he has and he delivered in so many big moments for us. What many people outside of the building won’t have seen is the impact he also had off the pitch within the group, and it’s fantastic for us to be able to keep someone not only with great ability, but the same level of character too.

“His experience in the Premier League is an additional asset, and he’s delivered at that level consistently over the time he’s played there, so it’s another really positive signing for us.”