Loanee Atsu happy to stay a Mag

Christian Atsu is delighted to have signed a permanent deal at Newcastle United.

The winger spent this season on loan from Chelsea, and the Magpies took up a £6.2million option to buy the Ghana international, 25.

Atsu, who scored five goals for the Tynesiders this term, has signed a four-year deal at St James’s Park and wrote on Twitter: “I’m delighted to sign permanently for @nufc! Can’t wait to get started next season.”

Manager Rafa Benítez said: “We are happy to sign a good player.

“He’s shown us that he’s a good professional and someone who is very keen to learn and improve.

“Christian has been a key part of our promotion campaign and he wants to help us to build something for the future.”

The transfer is subject to Atsu successfully reapplying for a work permit.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Rob Elliot says Newcastle will be looking to do more than just survive in the Premier League.

“I think you’d be naive to stay you are not looking just to stay up,” said 31-year-old Elliot.

“You’ve got to look at that first and foremost before you even think about where you want to finish.

“In my personal opinion, you get to 40 points as quick as quick as you possibly can and then you look to see where you can finish.

“But the manager is really big on just taking each game as it comes, and I think that’s what we will do next year.”