Chelsea, Newcastle United reach agreement over Christian Atsu transfer?

Newcastle United are reportedly close to announcing the arrival of Christian Atsu from Chelsea on an initial season-long loan.

The Magpies are also understood to have the option to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent deal next summer.

Atsu has spent the last three years at Chelsea after joining from Porto for £3.5m, but has been unable to challenge for a starting spot and has since been loaned to Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga.

Sky Sports News reports that the 42-times capped Ghana winger will put pen to paper at St James' Park in the next 24 hours, making him the Championship outfit's 12th signing of the summer.

Atsu has never made a senior appearance for Chelsea and also did not feature during his stint at Bournemouth last season.