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Reliable journalist: Newcastle in talks for international midfielder
By Tom Blackburn
Newcastle are in continued talks with Chelsea to sign winger Christian Atsu on loan, according to a reliable journalist.
Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder responded to fans on his personal Twitter account, and claimed that Newcastle are continuing to pursue the 24-year-old Ghana international.
@lee_ryder any more news on atsu
— #RAFALUTION • II ☆ (@DaNyLNUFC) August 28, 2016
Still in talks. https://t.co/d7qR5mlqZw
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 28, 2016
Sky Sports’ north-east correspondent Keith Downie initially reported that the Magpies had enquired about Chelsea’s Christian Atsu in a loan move.
We understand Newcastle have enquired about taking Chelsea's Christian Atsu on loan. But he's one of a number of players they're looking at.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 25, 2016
The 42-time Ghana international has less than two years remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract and, according to Downie, is one of a number of options being considered by the Magpies boss.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez said on Friday that he is still on the lookout for new signings, and revealed that he has a number of targets but that any new deal “depends on agents and prices”, as quoted by Ryder on Twitter.
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Rafa on transfers: "We still have time, names and targets. We are trying to do business. It also depends on agents and prices." #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 26, 2016
The former Real Madrid manager has brought in 10 new recruits this summer, while 13 senior players have left St. James’ Park.
Their most recent recruit was announced as Daryl Murphy on Saturday morning, with the striker arriving from Ipswich.
It could be a busy week for the club, with experienced midfielder pair Moussa Sissoko and Cheick Tiote looking for a way out.
In other Newcastle transfer news, there is an update on their reported £20million Premier League transfer target.