The Ivorian has not yet played for Newcastle United this season.
Quoted by the Shields Gazette, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has admitted that he likes Cheick Tiote, but suggested he could still sell the midfielder if an offer comes in.
The 30-year-old was linked with a move away from St James’s Park for much of the summer transfer window but prospective switches to Olympiacos and Galatasaray failed to materialise for the Ivorian.
Despite the window being closed, Tiote, who has not featured for Newcastle yet this season, is still eligible to join a Middle-Eastern club.
But Benitez has said that he would find room for him in the Magpies’ senior set-up again if the tough-tackling midfielder – in the final year of his contract in the North East – fails to secure a move away.
“He will get a chance if nothing happens in the next few days and weeks. If nothing happens, we will have to do something with him because he is someone I like,” he told a press conference, via the Shields Gazette.
“If we have some information that clubs are interested, we will analyse that.”
Regular games could be tricky for Tiote, given how excellent Isaac Hayden has been in defensive midfield following his summer switch from Arsenal.
They host Wolves in the League Cup tonight, days after losing to Wanderers in the Championship, but the long-serving Tiote will not be involved.
Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote is substituted as manager Rafael Benitez looks on
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