Cheick Tiote has only made one appearance for Newcastle United so far this season.
Rafael Benitez has told the Daily Star that he wants to give Cheick Tiote a chance to prove himself at Newcastle United before the January transfer window opens.
Tiote has found his chances at Newcastle very limited so far, with the Ivorian generally being kept on the sidelines.
However, Benitez has been impressed by Tiote in training, and the combative midfielder could come into his plans before the new year.
“He is training very well and I would like to give him a chance before January,” the Spanish boss said.
“His mentality is fine and I’m pleased with him.
“I was considering putting him in the squad for Preston but that would mean leaving someone else out which would not be fair.”
Tiote almost left Newcastle last summer, when a move to China was said to have been a possibility.
Tiote is now being linked with another move away from Tyneside, with his future seemingly hanging in the balance.
Tiote has played just once for Newcastle so far this season, when he came on as a late substitute in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa back in September.
Newcastle are next in action at the weekend, when they take on Preston North End at Deepdale in Championship action.
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