According to The Northern Echo, Christian Atsu is set to be the most high-profile exit for Newcastle on deadline day, with Watford leading the chase for his signature on a loan deal.
The Ghanaian – who earns £30k-a-week at St James’ Park according to Spotrac – has been told that he won’t be included in Steve Bruce’s 25-man Premier League squad this season.
Nottingham Forest have also expressed an interest in the ex-Chelsea attacker, although the recently relegated Hornets are leading the race.
Atsu has made just one appearance this season, playing ten minutes against Blackburn in the Carabao Cup.
Bruce once described the 28-year-old as ‘heroic’ after Atsu exceeded his manager’s expectation in a win over Tottenham last season, having been experiencing fitness issues at the time.
The Northern Echo quote the Magpies boss as saying: ‘What Atsu did was heroic because I never expected him to be on the pitch for the best part of 80 minutes. He’s been a concern so I would think there is going to be four or five but, then again, I’ve got some experienced players who did not even make the squad.’
Given his alarming lack of game time, it makes sense to let the Ada Foah-born attacker leave St James’ Park.
Despite his lack of impact at Premier League level, Atsu will always be fondly remembered for his efforts in our promotion campaign.
He made 32 Championship appearances under Rafa Benitez, scoring five goals and assisting three more to help us get back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.
If he does depart Tyneside today, we wish Atsu the best of luck.
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