Everton quest for Chelsea's Christian Atsu could be scuppered by rules

Celtic and Aston Villa are already in the market for the wide man

Everton could not take two Chelsea players on loan

That means if this deal goes through it would rule out a Lukaku loan

Didier Drogba continues talks over player-coach role at Chelsea

Ghana winger Christian Atsu's hopes of joining English side Everton could be scuppered by a regulation that prevents a team from signing two players on loan from the same club in the Premier League.

Everton have joined Aston Villa and Celtic in asking for Chelsea's Christian Atsu on loan.

If successful it would mean they would have to make any deal for Romelu Lukaku a permanent one as they can't have two players on loan from the same Premier League club.

The 22-year-old Atsu is wanted by a raft of clubs in England, Spain and Germany for a year-long loan deal after spending last season at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland.

 
Top star: Atsu impressed on the wing for Ghana at the World Cup in Brazil

Sought after: The young winger's performances have made him a loan target for a number of clubs

Experience: Atsu spent last season on loan at Dutch side Vitesse and Celtic hope they can be his next club

West Ham United and Aston Villa are known to be interested in the left winger, with Hamburg and Espanyol also linked.

Atsu enjoyed a successful loan spell in Holland, scoring five goals in 28 appearances – but has ruled out a return to the Erevidisie this time round.

Chelsea are holding further talks with Didier Drogba over a one year player-coach contract.

The 36-year-old is expected to make his return to Stamford Bridge later this week.

Misfit: The Belgian striker has failed to make an impression at his parent club since joining in 2011

Lethal: The striker netted 15 times in the league for the Toffees last year, and was their top scorer.

Youngster: Ronny Delia is hoping he can convince the player Celtic once tried to sign to come to Glasgow