Spanish club Malaga are believed to be in pole position to sign Christian Atsu on loan from Chelsea.

The Ghanaian winger, 24, had his loan stint with Bournemouth cut short on January 1 after failing to gain regular playing time under Eddie Howe but the Blues are keen to send him away again.

Sky Sports sources indicate that Malaga are significantly interested in bringing Atsu to La Rosaleda for the remainder of the season as they look to move into the top half of La Liga.

However, there is competition from Levante, Rayo Vallecano and now Espanyol with all three Spanish clubs having been credited with an interest.

Atsu arrived at Stamford Bridge from Porto in 2013 but has failed to kick on in West London and has subsequently spent time on loan with Vitesse Arnhem, Everton and Bournemouth.