Watford are one of a number of Championship clubs to have made contact with Newcastle United over a possible loan for Christian Atsu.

The Ghanaian has been told by Newcastle boss Steve Bruce that, as things stand, he won’t be in their 25-man Premier League squad, and is available for a transfer.

Newcastle’s preference is understood to be for the player to join the Hornets, as their proposed deal is the most suitable for the Tyneside club.

However, the winger is known to have turned down loan moves in the past, including most recently a move to Celtic in the last transfer window. There is some suggestion he might well decide to stick it out again, despite being told he is not in the Magpies' plans.

Watford have held positive talks with Newcastle as they look to try and strengthen for the remainder of the Championship campaign and Atsu is a player they are considering.

The 28-year-old initially joined the Magpies on loan for their Championship campaign in 2016/17 when they were promoted back to the top flight as champions at the first time of asking.

He made 32 league appearances that season, scoring five goals.