Alan Pardew Insists Cheick Tiote Still A Key Asset At Newcastle

Cheick Tiote: Still a key man for Newcastle

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has insisted midfielder Cheick Tiote remains a key part of his plans despite speculation linking him with a move to Russia.

The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is understood to have been the subject of a bid from Lokomotiv Moscow but Pardew said it would take big money to prize Tiote away from the club.

Pardew said: "He's just a great player, he's just a top player. There were a couple of bids but they were nowhere near the valuation we have of the player.

"He's just a great player, he's just a top player. There were a couple of bids but they were nowhere near the valuation we have of the player."

"Top players demand top fees if they are going to move, but at the moment, that isn't the case. He is our player and we are looking forward to fitting him into the team.

"He is very much under contract with us and I love the way he plays, I love his mentality to the game and I look forward to seeing him this week, hopefully."

Tiote's hamstring injury means he will miss the trip to Aston Villa this weekend, but fellow midfielder Siem de Jong and loan striker Facundo Ferreyra are likely to be in the squad.

Pardew added: "Siem has to earn the right to play. Whether he is ready 100 per cent for this weekend, I am not sure. We will decide that, probably, on Friday."