Two options on the table for Newcastle’s £4.3m winger

Newcastle United are done with incoming business, but one player could be on his way out by October 16th.

Newcastle United opted against bringing in one or two new faces on transfer deadline day, but outgoing business can still be completed in the domestic market until October 16th.

The Magpies have been trying to sell or loan out a handful players before that deadline, but they might be successful in that regard for at least one player. According to a new report, Championship outfits Nottingham Forest and Watford are keen on securing the services of Christian Atsu as a loanee.

The Ghanaian international joined Newcastle United in 2016 when they earned promotion to the Premier League, but he has failed to impress in the top flight. Rafa Benitez gave Atsu several chances when he was in charge, but Steve Bruce gave up on the player rather quickly.

Atsu only made 19 appearances last season – six as a starter – and this season he has only featured for 11 minutes. With Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron, Matt Ritchie, Joelinton, and Jacob Murphy all fighting for playing time in the same position, it will be impossible for Atsu to break into the lineup.

The former Chelsea man enjoyed his best season Tyneside when the team was in the Championship with five goals and one assist in 32 appearances. Watford are aiming to bounce back to the top flight in their first time of asking, so they can definitely use Atsu’s experience in midfield.

Nottingham Forest, who are now under the managerial guidance of former Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton, hope to earn promotion for the first time since 1998.

Both clubs would be good destinations for the winger to get more playing time, and to stay in the picture for his national team. It remains to be seen what will happen, but both clubs are battling for his signature.