It’s no secret that Newcastle are after a top striker this summer, and having read many blogs and comments across the web, it seems that Daniel Sturridge fits the billing for the majority of Newcastle fans. The Chelsea striker impressed while on loan at Bolton at the back of end of last season, and given the money shelled out on Fernando Torres, Sturridge is unlikely to get a look in at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle could prove to be an attractive proposition for the young Englishman, but as part of a deal Chelsea may want to get a player of their own; namely Cheik Tiote.
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien being ruled out until Christmas at least may in turn have a huge affect on Newcastle’s own fortunes. The Blues were keen admirers of Tiote in January, and Alan Pardew and co. did well to tie the Ivorian down on a long term deal (another six and a half years). However, the Ghanaian’s injury is only likely to increase Chelsea’s interest in Tiote, and a firm, substantial bid is likely to be just around the corner.
By securing Tiote to a long-term deal Newcastle have done themselves the world of good in terms of negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club. The Magpies should in no way be forced to part with their star midfielder, whereas in the Jose Enrique situation they may prefer to take the cash now rather than lose him on a free transfer this summer. While Newcastle are in a good position, that doesn’t mean that there’s no chance of Cheik leaving.
As we know, every player has their price (Andy Carroll’s was about £35m). If Chelsea made a firm bid upwards of £15m, Newcastle would be forced to consider a deal; throw Daniel Sturridge into the equation and the value on the table may be too good to turn down. That’s a feeling Mike Ashley got just six months ago, and while losing two of your best players in such a short period of time would be very disappointing, would it be catastrophic?
While I wouldn’t recommend getting rid of Cheik Tiote (he was after all last year’s Premier League signing of the season in my eyes), securing Daniel Sturridge as a result would lessen the blow somewhat. Sturridge is one of the hottest young strikers in England, and I feel he would thrive at St James’ Park. That’s something Tiote’s certainly done, so it would be foolish to sell him after one season I hear you say. Yes it would, but get Sturridge in return and you’d be making the best of a bad situation. Sometimes sacrifices just have to be made.
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Martin McGuigan YOU WOULD NOT KNOW A GOOD FOOTBALLER IF IT SLAPED YOU ROUND YOUR THINK HEAD YOU DOUGHNUT
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I think the way Tiote was rested for the last 2 games of the last season everyone including Pardew knows the one key player for us is our number 24. With younger, more creative and energetic legs next to him he will improve leaps and bounds next season. I predict he will truly be worth 35million if some other team wants him. He should not be sold under any circumstances.
Why would Chelsea let Sturridge go for less than £20/25m based on current prices for English strikers of which there are very few?
Plus ee will be in the full England squad in the next 12 months without doubt.
Anyway he wont be part of any deal except possibly on loan.
I addition Tiote is very unlikely to interest Chelsea with the ACN coming up and with Drogba/Kalou/Mikel going it doesnt make sense to sign anymore africans.
These are the realities of the situation you highlight.
How much of those huge agents fees finds its way indirectly into Ashley’s back pocket?
Word out in Barcalona is wer bidding for Bojan 8million.