Galatasaray want to sign Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote, according to the Evening Chronicle. The Ivory Coast international has been subject previously to a bid from Abu Dhabi side Al Jazira Club but the offer was rejected by the Magpies.
With Rafa Benitez expected to sign up to twelve players this summer, the squad is becoming increasingly bloated and Newcastle are struggling to offload certain players with Tiote among at least seven players the Magpie boss wants to sell before transfer deadline day.
Henri Saivet and forwards Yoan Gouffran, Emmanuel Riviere, Haris Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi and Siem De Jong are all believed to be surplus to requirements with doubts also remaining over the futures of goalkeeper Tim Krul and want-away midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
Currently the Magpies are looking for transfer fees for all of these players, but with the transfer window shutting in just over two weeks, the Chronicle believe Newcastle may have to give free transfers to certain players to secure permanent transfers away from St James’ Park with Tiote possibly one of those allowed to leave without a fee being required.
