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Benitez refuses to rule out Newcastle approach for £6.5m star

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Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has refused to be drawn on speculation that the club will sign winger Christian Atsu on a permanent basis in the summer.

The Ghanaian international is on a season long loan from Chelsea and the club have the option to buy the 25 year old at any time for £6.5million, but so far the Magpies have not made any decision to activate the clause.

The midfielder opened the scoring in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Friday night with an expertly taken free kick but Benitez says that one moment of quality will not sway his decision over the player’s future at the club. He is quoted by the Shields Gazette as saying:

“The future of a player doesn’t change with one action or goal. We know that he’s a good player. We have to decide. I’m really pleased with him. We have to see where we are in terms of the squad and all these things.”

Atsu has certainly made a case for himself to remain at St James’ Park in recent weeks. As well as scoring against Cardiff last time out, he also scored an important goal in the 4-1 win over Preston North End which helped to secure the Magpies’ promotion back to the Premier League.

In 34 appearances this season, Atsu has scored five goals and provided assists for three others.

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