Newcastle United 'banish' Ryan Fraser to the U21s just days before the Carabao Cup final

Ryan Fraser has been 'banished' to the Newcastle United U21s setup and is unlikely to play another game for the club.

The Scotland international joined Newcastle in 2020 after allowing his Bournemouth contract to expire following Premier League relegation.

His game-time since Eddie Howe, who managed him at the Cherries, arrived has decreased drastically and he's not featured since coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Everton back in October.

Per Sportsmail, the Magpies have decided to relocate Fraser to the academy base. It's believed the 28-year-old will move on in the summer despite having two years remaining on his current contract.

Fraser has made 59 appearances for Newcastle, scoring three times and registering six assists.

Newcastle will face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday for their first shot at a major honour since 1955.

They're still in the top four race in the Premier League, although slipped out after a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday and Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday.

SPORTbible has approached Ryan Fraser's representatives for comment.

Sunday's cup final will be made all the more difficult due to Nick Pope's absence. He was sent off against Liverpool after handling the ball outside of his box.

Despite the clamour from many pundits to let Pope play, Newcastle will have to turn to Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie.

They cannot play Martin Dubravka as he spent the first half of the season on loan at United, playing in third and fourth round victories over Aston Villa and Burnley respectively.

Howe said following the Liverpool defeat: "I thought they were clinical with their chances when they came and obviously Nick Pope's sending-off changed the game.

"I've not had a proper word with him but I've seen him and he looks visibly upset. He's been outstanding for us this season.

"It was probably technically handball but I don't know the rules on red cards outside the box. For me, it was a harsh reaction, but I understand if it's in the rules. It's harsh for Nick because he's been magnificent for us and to miss the next game is a huge blow for him."