Turkish giants Galatasaray are readying a January bid for Newcastle United’s midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote, as per The Chronicle.
The Super Lig outfit are believed to be long-term admirers of Tiote, and they are ready to firm up their interest with an official approach for the Ivory Coast international during the upcoming transfer window.
Tiote has made eight appearances for Newcastle this season after recovering from a knee-injury he sustained during the African Cup of Nations, however, the tenacious midfielder suffered a fresh injury blow during the Magpies’ 3-0 defeat to Leicester City last month.
Steve McClaren vehemently dismissed widespread claims that the Ivorian was a ‘bad egg’ in the Newcastle dressing room over the summer, and the Magpies’ head coach – who worked with Tiote at FC Twente – is keen to retain the 29-year-old’s services in January.
Speaking to The Chronicle last month, Tiote sidestepped questions about his Newcastle future:
“I don’t know, because for the moment, we need to try to focus on being higher in the table.
“We have been at the bottom for a long time. We need to do everything to look forward. We need to work every day in training and try to win some games.”
Despite McClaren’s desire to keep him on Tyneside, Tiote is entering the final eighteen months of his Newcastle contract, and the club may be tempted to move him on next month if they receive a suitable offer.
