Atsu uncertain of long-term future at Newcastle United

Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has hailed manager Rafael Benitez, but reckons talks about a possible permanent deal at St James' Park are premature.

The 24-year-old joined the Magpies on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August, and has scored once in seven Championship appearances so far.

He netted the solitary goal as Newcastle picked a 1-0 win at Rotherham United earlier this month, a game which marked his first league start for the club.

“I’m really privileged to play for Newcastle, and to work under Rafa Benitez is really good,” Atsu said.

“He’s a great man, very friendly. I’m very happy to work with him. He’s a fantastic coach.

“I’ve learnt a lot from my team mates and also Rafa. He has been giving me chances, and I’m working hard to help the team.

“Working with him for a long time ... I will be a better player."

“[But] I’m more focused on game by game, and at the end of the season, we will see what will happen. I just want to help Newcastle.

“I cannot comment on that [whether I will stay beyond this season]. I just need a good season.”

Having failed to make a single league appearance on a brief spell at Bournemouth, Atsu spent the second part of last season on another loan stint at Spanish outfit Malaga, where he notched 2 goals in 12 La Liga outings.

He had earlier spent time with Everton, Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands, as well as Portuguese clubs Porto and Rio Ave.