Chelsea winger Christian Atsu in talks with Newcastle over permanent move

Christian Atsu (right) is in talks with Newcastle over a permanent move to St James' Park

Newcastle are in talks with Christian Atsu about making his season-long loan from Chelsea permanent, according to Sky sources.

The Ghana winger has an option in his contract that allows Newcastle to sign him for £6.2m and Sky Sports News HQ understands Rafa Benitez is keen to secure his services ahead of the club's return to the Premier League.

Atsu, who scored five times in 35 appearances as Newcastle won the Sky Bet Championship title, is likely to become Benitez's first signing of the summer.

Watch the moment Newcastle lifted the Sky Bet Championship trophy after pipping Brighton to the title by just one point. Watch the moment Newcastle lifted the Sky Bet Championship trophy after pipping Brighton to the title by just one point.

The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 but has not managed to make a single appearance for the Blues.

Atsu, capped 42 times by Ghana, has instead spent time on loan at Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga.

He has 13 months remaining on his current contract at Chelsea.