Christian Atsu is back on Celtic’s radar and that asks the question as to whether Nottingham Forest should rekindle their previous interest in the Newcastle United winger.
According to Sports World Ghana, the out of favour Magpies speedster is once again taking the fancy of Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
It was reported by the Daily Mail during the January transfer window that Atsu was offered to Forest, although other targets were identified for the Reds instead.
The Ghana international signed for Newcastle in 2016 from Chelsea, costing the club £6 million after a successful loan spell.
In 120 appearances for the Premier League outfit, he has scored eight goals and registered 10 assists, although a large number of his appearances have come as a substitute.
At 28 though there is perhaps a bit of life in Atsu and one thing he would do is strengthen Forest in an area which could still do with reinforcing.
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With Joe Lolley seemingly facing a fight to be fit for the start of the season, it leaves Sammy Ameobi as the only senior winger from the class of 2019/20.
Luke Freeman has been added and can play on the flank, Alex Mighten is an unnatural wide option, whilst it remains to be seen whether or not Albert Adomah will be part of the squad.
A transfer fee would probably be affordable for the Reds. He is way down Steve Bruce’s pecking order and has just one year to run on his contract.
Obstacles
One stumbling block could be his wage demands, however. According to Spotrac, the Newcastle man earns £30,000-a-week and given that Forest have already added five players this summer, that could be out of reach.
He is quick, loves taking players on and would arrive at the City Ground with a point to prove having spent so long on the fringes at Newcastle.
Celtic clearly fancy the player to help them and if Forest could get the numbers right he could prove a useful addition to Sabri Lamouchi’s squad too.
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