CHERRIES were not prepared to sell Ryan Fraser in January - regardless of his contract situation.

A report yesterday from the Daily Record claimed the Dorset club were “open to selling” the Scotland international “for around £15million”.

The publication also claimed a January-window inquiry was made on behalf of Manchester United for the 25-year-old Aberdonian.

But the Daily Echo understands no contact was made by the Old Trafford club regarding Fraser and Cherries were not prepared to sell.

Fraser, who joined Cherries from Aberdeen for £400,000 in January 2013, has just six months remaining on his current deal at Vitality Stadium.

Manager Eddie Howe has always maintained his hope that the winger would sign a new contract at Cherries.

But asked last week if he was now planning for life without the Scotland star, the boss told the Daily Echo: “I think you get to a certain point where you’ve got to be realistic about the situation.

“I don’t think there will be a positive solution in terms of him staying with us, but that’s life, that’s football, that’s Ryan’s decision and we respect it.

“I’ve got no bad feeling towards that, every player has the right to do what they want in their own situation.

“All I would say is that we would just want Ryan playing at his best, but I think for that to happen and for him to make the difference in games, we’re going to need the supporters to back him.”

The boss added: “Give him all your support and if it is to be his last few months at the club, let’s make them a memorable last few months.

“Let’s make the memory of Ryan be as good as some of his performances have been through his history at the football club because he’s been absolutely brilliant for us.”