Newcastle United have started talks with Chelsea about the permanent signing of Christian Atsu, according to Sky Sports.
The Ghanaian winger enjoyed a successful spell on loan at the Sky Bet Championship club last season, helping them lift the title on the final day of the season.
The wide man has an option in his contract that allows Newcastle to sign him for £6.2m and according to Sky Sports News, Rafa Benitez is desperate to secure his signature ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League next season.
Mike Ashley has stated that Benitez will be given whatever financial backing he needs ahead of the Premier League season, and Atsu is expected to be the Spaniard’s first acquisition.
Atsu scored five times in 35 Sky Bet Championship games during his time on loan at the Magpies, and was a hit amongst the fans.
The winger, who has appeared for his native Ghana 42 times, joined Chelsea from Portuguese side Porto in 2013, but has not made a single appearance for the recently crowned Premier League champions.
Atsu is only 25 years old, and is expected to be extremely keen on returning to Newcastle United, this time on a permanent basis, as he seeks first time football, and looks to further his career.
The Ghanaian has spent all of his Chelsea career on loan, playing for fellow Premier League sides Bournemouth and Everton, as well as enjoying spells abroad at Malaga and Vitesse.
