Cheik Tiote wants to leave Newcastle

Cheik Tiote has revealed he wants to leave Newcastle and will look to do so during the January transfer window.

Tiote has established himself as a key member of the Newcastle squad following his arrival from FC Twente in 2010, but he has repeatedly linked with a move away from St James’s Park.

Just last week, Pardew revealed the club were ready to offer the Ivory Coast international a new contract in the hope of fending off interest from other clubs, but the 28-year-old has now made it clear he wants to move on.

Speaking to reporters in the Ivory Coast, Tiote said: “I want to leave. I’ve spent four years with Newcastle and I think I’ve reached the stage where it’s maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge.

“I will focus on the upcoming games and see what happens between now and December but it is true there was contact for me in the summer from Arsenal and also from a club in Russia. I would prefer to stay in England though.”