Christian Atsu loan courted by West Ham, Aston Villa, Hamburg, and Espanyol

Chelsea loanee and Vitesse Arnhem's 2013-14 Player of the Year Christian Atsu had himself a pretty decent World Cup, one that certainly got him noticed even outside of Chelsea circles.  His pace, trickery, and direct running caused plenty of problems for the rest of Group G and even though Ghana failed to qualify for the knockout rounds, Atsu still managed to catch the eye.

In fact, with another loan likely for the 22-year-old this summer -- though probably only after spending a bit of time training with the first-team and impressing Mourinho in person -- teams are lining up in three countries for his temporary services.

"West Ham are interested in taking Chelsea winger Christian Atsu on loan, according to Sky sources. [...]  Aston Villa, Hamburg and Espanyol are also understood to be keen on the 22-year-old..."

-source: Sky

A rather diverse collection of suitors, though the Spanish option looks a bit weak.

"The main difficulty for Espanyol again this time, may be financial. They are hoping that they can broker a deal with Chelsea, that would see them pay only a small percentage of his salary, if any at all, plus without having to pay the English side a loan fee."

-source: Inside Spanish Football

Ya gotta show us the money, Espanyol.  No free lunches, especially when other teams are supposedly lining up practically around the block.

Hamburg remains an interesting option, even though sporting director and ex-Chelsea man Frank Arnesen had moved on earlier this year.  Ryan Bertrand had good success at Villa last season, so there's a good relationship there to build upon as well, while keeping Atsu in the Premier League.  I'd certainly prefer either of those two teams over the Hammers.