Chelsea Refuse Atsu Loan Move To Everton

Roberto Martinez was targeting the winger as a backup member of his squad, but Chelsea want to send him somewhere he'll get regular football

Everton's loan bid for Christian Atsu has broken down over concerns that the Ghanaian would not get enough playing time.

The highly-rated World Cup winger is now back at Chelsea training before a decision is taken over his next move.

Atsu, 22, had chosen Goodison Park as his destination above a clutch of rival clubs in for his services next season.

Initial talks with the Toffees proved productive. But Everton, who signed Romelu Lukaku for £28million last week, are accused of then changing their minds on elements of the deal.

It is now understood that as Everton's interest dwindled, Chelsea asked for a January recall clause to be inserted into the arrangement so that they could take him back if they felt he was being underused.

Chelsea are keen for Atsu to go to a club with a commitment to pl