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Rafa still believes midfielder could depart in coming days

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Image for Rafa still believes midfielder could depart in coming days

Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is still hoping that Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote will secure a move away from Tyneside in the coming days. The 30 year old saw two moves collapse in the final days of the summer transfer window with both Galatasaray and Olympiakos pulling out of transfers for the Ivory Coast international.

Benitez is aware however that the United Arab Emirates transfer window will stay open until the 20th October and that there is still a possibility that he will depart the club soon. Speaking to the Shields Gazette on Saturday, he said:

“I think it’s not the ideal situation at the moment, but hopefully in the next few days we can find something – something that will be good for him and good for us… We know that he could have gone. He had some chances, but in the end he is here now, and still we have the market in the Emirates open.”

“So we have to wait and see if we can find a solution for him that will be good for him and for us. If we cannot, then still I am happy with him because he’s a good player. He’s training really well.”

If he does remain at St James’ Park, Tiote will find it difficult to get first team action with Isaac Hayden, Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita all able to play in his position as a holding midfielder. Although Benitez says he has a strong working relationship with the player, it is clear from his comments that a move away from Tyneside is the preferred option for the manager.

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