Agent of Ivorian Cheick Tiote has said their willing to listen to offers for the 28 year old who is interested in a move from the northern club.
Defensive midfield position has become more and more popular over the past few years with most of the top clubs around Europe employing the tactic of a deep lying player sitting in front of their back four.
Tiote has caught the eye of plenty of clubs with him being a specialist in that deep laying area, Arsenal being one of then after seeing their bid for Sami Khedira collapse today.
Cheick Tiote would also represent good value for money around the £8-10 million mark whereas they would have been paying double that for Khedira.
Newcastle are yet to receive any bids but sources say that is about to change with bids from Russia and Spain imminent and Arsene Wenger also keeping close tabs on the Ivorian powerhouse.
He first caught the attention of the Arsenal manager with a stunning strike in the 4-4 draw 2 seasons ago when Arsenal were cruising 4-0 only to see 4 goals conceded in the second half to only pick up a point.
By Alastair Cook
Twitter: Cookie1989
