Newcastle United have been linked with Chelsea’s Christian Atsu.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has refused to go into detail on speculation surrounding a potential move for Chelsea winger Christian Atsu ahead of the transfer deadline, Shields Gazette report.
The Magpies have been busy in the transfer market this summer yet it appears Benitez is not done yet as he bids to add one or two more names to his promotion-chasing squad.
Atsu, 24, joined Chelsea on a five-year deal in 2013 and was at the time rated as one of the best youngsters around.
Christian Atsu
However, after unsuccessful loan spells at Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga followed, questions have now been asked of his future despite his evident quality.
Newcastle have recently been linked with the player, but Benitez has refused to be drawn on the speculation when asked over a potential deal during his pre-match press conference.
“We don’t talk about the targets. We have players in different positions. I am really pleased with the squad and how they train, but we have to keep the balance,” the Spaniard told Shields Gazette.
Christian Atsu arrives before the match
“You always want to improve your squad with better players. We still need two or three players, players who are versatile and can play in different positions.
“We have to do some deals. We are loaning players, sending players, buying players, we have some names, targets.”
Atsu would fall in the category of being able to play in different positions, with the Ghana international able to feature on either wing and also through the middle behind a central forward.
Hartlepool United’s Nicky Featherstone (R) in action with former Bournemouth loan star Christian Atsu
The former Porto youth player has been capped 42 times by his country, and with nine international goals to his name there is certainly evidence to suggest he has the potential to become a top player.
Newcastle host fellow promotion challengers Brighton and Hove Albion in a crunch game this weekend.
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