Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu says he wants to stay with the club for ‘many years’ as long as Rafa Benitez stays at St James’ Park.

The Spanish tactician is out of contract this week as the two parties struggle to agree a new deal. Benitez wants assurances in the transfer market, while owner Mike Ashley is still actively looking to sell the club.

Benitez is also wanted by Chinese side Dalian Yifang and they are willing to splash the cash in order to appoint him. Atsu joined Newcastle permanently in 2017 after an initial loan move from Chelsea and he has enjoyed some of his best games under the former Real Madrid chief.

He has now made 56 league appearances for the Magpies and the 27-year-old is eager to improve under the fan favourite. “I’m very happy at Newcastle and I’m happy with the fans. I’m especially happy with Benitez, the staff and everybody at the club,” Atsu told footballmadeinghana.com.

“I’d like to stay there as many years as possible but it will depend on me and my performances. I just need to do my work, do my job, and as many as years as I want I believe I can stay if I play really good.”

Atsu is currently on international duty with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations. He is confident his side will win their first AFCON title and punters can back them to do so at odds of 8.00.

He added: “We have not won this trophy for 37 years despite all the good players this country has produced.

“I think if we get all the support we need, we can win it this year. Because, if we don’t win it, many people are going to retire. See, that is how Ghana football is going.”