PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Christian Atsu - Newcastle keen to keep their Ghanaian star

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Jan 15, 2018. 13:00

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has expressed a desire to keep hold of Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu.

The Black Stars attacker has been linked with a move to West Ham United, alongside fellow first-team regulars Jonjo Shelvey and striker Aleksander Mitrovic, but the Spanish manager insists there have been no official offers and no major players will be sold.

“We cannot sell players that are playing because we would need to replace them with better players and in January, it takes a lot of money to convince them to come here," Benitez was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

Atsu meanwhile, played the full 90 minutes for the Magpies this past weekend as they drew 1-1 at home to Swansea City.

The Welsh side claimed the lead through Atsu’s compatriot Jordan Ayew, but United hit back midway through the second half via an equaliser from Joselu.

The result left Newcastle in 15th place on the Premier League log with 23 points from as many matches. They are just three places and three points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Atsu will hope to feature again this coming Saturday when the Magpies host log leaders Manchester City at St James’ Park.