Atsu ‘happy’ at Everton; Rotherham sign Reece James on loan from Man Utd

Ghana international midfielder Christian Atsu has insisted he does not regret joining Everton on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea despite having made just three starts for the Toffees this season.

Atsu, 22, impressed many while at Vitesse Arnhem last season and was one of Ghana’s standout performers at the World Cup finals in Brazil.

However, the 22-year-old winger has been unable to establish himself as a regular under Roberto Martinez, with the manager preferring the likes of Aiden McGeady, Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley, Samuel Eto’o, and Steven Naismith.

Nonetheless, Atsu has no regrets over his decision to move to Merseyside.

“I don’t see my coming here as a mistake because I came here to get the experience I need in the Premier League,” said Atsu.

“I have played some matches and I am still playing so I believe that with time I will get more playing time and silence my critics.

“I am happy here at Everton and I know that with time I will get into the first team.”

Although Atsu is ‘happy’ at Everton, the prospects of him returning to Everton next season seem slim to none at the moment, especially if the Toffees fail to qualify for the Europa League.

Rotherham sign Reece James on loan from Man Utd

Sky Bet Championship side Rotherdam have completed the signing of Manchester United left-back Reece James on an emergency loan deal.

James, who bagged two goals on his first-team debut against the LA Galaxy during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, made his competitive debut for United in the shock 4-0 defeat to Hull City in the Capital One Cup.

This loan spell, which runs until 10 January, will give the 21-year-old defender a chance at regular first-team football, which is absolutely vital at this stage in his career.

“Young Reece is a player who I have watched develop at Manchester United over the last two or three years,” said Rotherdam manager Steve Evans. “He is an outstanding young left-back or indeed can be utilised further forward as and when needed.

“His ability was not only witnessed by Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes but even more so by current United manager Louis Van Gaal, who gave young Reece an opportunity to play in the first-team back in pre-season and indeed the youngster has been close to being involved at Old Trafford in recent weeks.

“I have continually asked the question in relation to bringing Reece to Rotherham United and I was delighted to hear confirmation over the weekend that the young man can join us from now until January.”