Chelsea Set to Up Their Interest in Newcastle’s Cheikh Tiote in The Summer
Posted by admin on Sunday 6 February 2011
Chelsea will be returning to St. James’ Park in the summer, in an attempt to persuade Mike Ashley to let them sign Newcastle midfielder Cheikh Tiote, after being denied in the winter transfer window – according to a report in The News of the World.
The London outfit reportedly made an official approach for the 24-year-old last month, when owner Roman Abramovich told them to ‘name their price’, but after losing star striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool for a British transfer record fee, the Magpies were reluctant to lose Tiote's services too.
The defensive midfielder signed for a mere £4 million from FC Twente last summer, and has sparked interest from top clubs including Manchester United, who seek to replace Owen Hargreaves on a more permanent basis.
Newcastle are keen to keep the impressive Ivorian, having seen their squad weakened and failing to sign another striker before the 11pm deadline on January 31.
Tiote is currently placed 1151st in the Castrol Rankings, up from 1346th the previous month.
Toon manager Alan Pardew is reportedly setting up a potential move for 29-year-old Brazilian forward Ewerthon, as he looks to find a suitable replacement for Carroll.
