According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote will undergo a medical in the Far East shortly as his time on Tyneside finally draws to a close.
The 30-year-old has been a peripheral figure since the summer under Rafa Benitez, making just 3 appearances, and has seemingly been on the verge of leaving St. James’ Park for much of the past year. Previous moves to China, as well as ones to both Turkey and Spain are understood to have broken down in recent times.
Having played his last game for the Magpies against Birmingham City in the FA Cup, the Ivory Coast international is said to have flown to China to seal a move to Shandong Leung, where former teammate Papiss Cisse currently plays too. Tiote is believed to have almost agreed personal terms over a switch and a deal should be completed subject to his medical.
The tough-tackling Ivorian was widely regarded as one of the elite defensive midfielders in the Premier League at one point in his Toon career, though the emergence of more dynamic options in the centre of the park has seen his playing time limited under Rafa Benitez.
