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Time is up for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle to exercise a £6.5million option and sign Christian Atsu on a permanent basis.

The 25-year-old winger, on loan from Chelsea, scored five goals and provided three assists to win over a lot of fans with his box of tricks approach to team play.

He was sitting on a four-year contract should Rafa have made a move. If not Chelsea can charge any new admirers as much as they like.

I must admit that, despite understanding how Atsu won over terrace support with his trickery, I have been more than hesitant about bringing him here permanently. His final pass and his crossing lacked accuracy on a regular basis and therefore the Premier League could be a step too far. Atsu’s purple moments were far too infrequent I’m afraid. I wouldn’t take the risk when others beckon.

poll loading Would you give Christian Atsu a permanent deal? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No

No doubt Rafa has a shopping list the length of the A1 to work through this summer and will act cleverly in committing valuable money on individual deals. We’ll learn a bit more if he passes over on Atsu.

Football is all about opinions of course which is why this summer is going to be such fun for United supporters selecting their personal targets.