More than 1,700 have been killed and thousands more injured after a 7.8 magnitude tremor struck southern Turkey and northern Syria early on Monday morning.

A second 7.5 magnitude tremor hit after and according to reports in Turkey, a search and rescue operation is underway for Atsu, now of Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor, who was said to be caught up in the quake.

Istanbul-based journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu also claimed the club's sporting director Taner Savut is missing alongside Atsu as efforts to free them ramp up.

Atsu first arrived in the Premier League with Chelsea but never played a competitive minute for the Blues, embarking on loan spells to Everton and Newcastle respectively.

The 31-year-old made just five appearances for Everton before Newcastle took the plunge to sign him permanently in 2017.

Atsu made 107 appearances for the Magpies scoring eight goals before leaving the club in 2021 to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Raed.