Everton transfer news: Loan move for Christian Atsu falls through with Chelsea concerned he won't play

The Blues pulled the plug on deal for the highly-rated Ghanaian winger

Chelsea have pulled the plug on Christian Atsu's loan move to Everton amid concerns that he wouldn't get enough first team action.

Everton had beaten a number of clubs to secure the signature of the 22-year-old Ghana winger, who impressed in a loan spell in the Netherlands last season.

Atsu, signed for £3.5m from Porto last summer, impressed at Vitesse Arnhem last season, scoring five goals and adding six assists in the Eredivisie.

The deal that took Romelu Lukaku to Everton last week reportedly included a clause that would allow the Toffees to take another player on loan at Goodison Park.

Initial talks proved productive, but Chelsea, according to the Daily Mirror, have accused Everton of changing their minds on the deal.

Jose Mourinho is keen to send Atsu to a club who are committed to playing him next season - with Aiden McGeady, Kevin Mirallas, Steven Pienaar and others in the squad that would not have been possible under Roberto Martinez.

Sunderland, West Ham and Aston Villa are known admirers of Atsu, while a number of European clubs are also keeping tabs on his availability.