Cheick Tiote has made just one appearance for Newcastle United this season.
Rafael Benitez has told the Chronicle that he has encouraged Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote not to rush into making a decision about his future at St. James’ Park.
Tiote has been linked with a move away from Newcastle, with a switch to Middle East rumoured.
However, Benitez is keen to keep hold of Tiote – at least until the January transfer window.
The Spanish boss feels that the combative central midfielder could still have something to offer the Magpies, and he insists that no final decisions have been made over Tiote’s future.
“I was talking with him on Tuesday because obviously we are still waiting, the 20th is the date the transfer window closes in the Emirates,” he said.
“But he is training really well, so I just told him: ‘Look, just wait a little bit, keep training hard and then we can decide.’
“Because he is a player who still has something to offer.”
Tiote has made just one substitute appearance for Newcastle so far this season.
The 30-year-old appears to have some work to do to break into Newcastle’s first-team, but he has previously proven his quality in the Premier League and could be a stand out player in the second tier.
Without Tiote regularly involved, Newcastle have started the season well and currently sit in third place in the Championship table.
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