Newcastle United face losing Christian Atsu back to Chelsea.

The Mirror says Rafa Benitez has until tomorrow to exercise a £6.5million option to sign Atsu on a permanent basis for Newcastle .

The 25-year-old winger, on loan from Chelsea, has been hugely impressive during his loan spell on Tyneside, netting five goals and providing three assists.

The wideman also ended the season with two important strikes in the final three matches - against Preston and Cardiff.

Newcastle have first option on the speedy Ghana international but are running out of time to make up their minds.

Should Benitez not conclude a deal - which would see Atsu sign a four-year contract - this weekend, Chelsea will be able to charge all other clubs interested in signing Atsu whatever they want.