Newcastle Vice-Captain On His Way Out of Toon?
Newcastle United vice-captain, Cheick Tiote, is rumoured to be on the verge of a deal with Lokomotiv Moscow.
Reports from Russia have suggested Lokomotiv Moscow have opened talks with the Magpies in an effort to prise the 28-year-old Ivory Coast international out of manager Alan Pardew’s grasp.
And this was confirmed earlier on today by Sky Sports Journalist, Graeme Bailey, who had this to say:
Lokomotiv Moscow in for Cheick Tiote – Newcastle could be ready to do deal.
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) August 20, 2014
It is understood that Lokomotiv tabled an offer for Tiote several weeks ago which was dismissed as “derisory” and have not returned since.
Tiote arrived in England as a virtual unknown during Chris Hughton’s reign as manager, but had a hugely productive debut season in the Premier League and had been heavily linked with a £20m move to Chelsea.
Then, inconsistency during the intervening campaigns had threatened his starting role in the starting eleven. However, when times got tough on Tyneside last year, Tiote regained his workhorse reputation, and he was a driving force behind many Newcastle’s victories.
Having been given the vice-captaincy alongside Siem de Jong and (captain) Coloccini in pre-season, Tiote was expected to play an important role in Pardew’s plans this season. But it is now looking increasingly likely that he will head abroad.
One bright note to this worrying news, however, is that Pardew has, according to Bailey, already got a replacement in mind. We have heard some very strange transfer stories recently – so it will be interesting to see what happens.
These lads have both been linked with Newcastle recently. Click on the pictures to read more about them:
Comments Welcome
The Spectator's View 
Bit misleading since Siem De Jong is the vice captain
They share the role. There are two vice captains.
Personally I don’t think we will miss him. His tackling is shocking and he gets too many cards so ends up being a liability more often than not
I agree, I think he is at times a little clumsy. He tends to give the ball away between the defence and midfield too much – although a little better than anita so we would definitely have to replace him if he were to leave!