Newly promoted Newcastle United have an option to sign Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu on a permanent deal for £6.5million, but must take up that option within one week of the season ending, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.
Atsu helped Newcastle secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking with a crucial goal in Monday's 4-1 win over Preston North End.
The Ghana international has impressed when called upon this season, scoring four goals and assisting three more in his 30 appearances in the Championship for Newcastle, but only 13 appearances coming as a starter.
Sources have said that personal terms have already been agreed as part of the loan deal and that the ball is now in Newcastle's court.
Atsu has spent the last four seasons out on loan after joining Chelsea from Porto in the summer of 2013.
The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Chelsea and the club are considering offering him a new deal, but sources have said that Atsu is keen to be playing regular first-team football at this stage of his career.
A number of other clubs are monitoring Atsu's situation and are ready to move for him if Newcastle fail to take up their option in time to sign the winger.