Report: Celtic enter race for Newcastle winger Christian Atsu with approach

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Celtic are reportedly interested in attacker Christian Atsu at Premier League club Newcastle United.

According to Sky Sports on its transfer centre blog, the Bhoys have made an approach to try sign the 28-year-old on loan.

It is understood that English Championship side Nottingham Forest are also keen on him, while their league rivals Blackburns Rovers have already seen an approach rejected.

The Chronicle have previously claimed though that Newcastle are keen to offload the Ghana international before the January transfer window shuts, and have already offered him out to clubs.

Atsu, who earns £30,000-a-week (Spotrac), has managed to play in 22 games across all competitions this season.

The left-winger is yet to score this campaign and isn’t a regular starter, but has chipped in with four assists and does have an excellent work-rate.

TBR’s View:

Celtic aren’t stacked with several options in their squad at present for wide areas, so adding another a winger late in the window could be decent business for them.

Atsu has never been a prolific goalscorer during his career, but has electric pace and he could certainly help Neil Lennon’s team with their domestic title bid in Scotland.

The African winger may not be earmarked to start every game at Parkhead if he does join, but would help improve numbers.

It remains to be seen whether Celtic will pull off a last-ditch deal for him and how they would work around his high wages.