Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote has said that he is very much enjoying his life at Newcastle United and would not be interested in a move in the summer.
Chelsea have been showing a lot of interest in signing the midfielder for more than a year now, and it is thought that they will be coming in with a concrete bid in the summer.
However, the Ivory Coast international has said that he would like to stay with Newcastle United, as it provides him with the best opportunity to play regular football. This news is likely to come as a major blow to Chelsea and their hopes of reinvigorating their ageing squad.
The 25-year-old midfielder has been one of the best players in the Premier league ever since moving to Newcastle United for just £ 3.5 million in the summer of 2010. However, he is expected to cost upwards of £ 20 million if Chelsea were to agree a fee for him. Following the latest statement by the midfielder, though, it is highly unlikely that Chelsea will be persuading in signing the player. The latest football odds make Tiote odds-on to stay at St James Park.
Cheik Tiote has been one of the reasons for Newcastle United to be challenging at the top of the table for a Champions League position this season. The club are currently in the fifth position separated from the top four only on goal difference.
“My future is at Newcastle. I’m playing for Newcastle and I have to finish this season strongly and help the team get into Europe. If we do that, it will be good for the club and the fans. We are in a great position now,” Tiote said in a recent statement.
Yohan Cabaye arrived at Newcastle United in the summer and Tiote has formed a great partnership with him in the centre of midfield.