Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Cheick Tiote could seal a move away from Newcastle before the close of the summer transfer window.
With Wednesday night’s deadline looming, the 30-year-old AFCON champion may be contractually obligated to continue playing for the English club, where he has been a key player over the last six years since joining from FC Twente.
Tiote almost completed a transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray over the weekend, but reports suggest that he failed a medical which scuppered a move at the final hurdle. Fans at Istanbul had came to the airport to welcome the player, with the move appearing to be a done deal.
The tough holding midfielder now faces a stressful transfer deadline day, with interest arriving for the Ivorian from Russia, China and the UAE.
Newcastle coach Rafael Benitez is not standing in the way of Tiote’s departure, as he has focused on strengthening the side with 12 new signings since the club was relegated from the Premier League.
The player and his agent will need to move fast if they are to organise a move away from St James’ Park on deadline day.