Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote has poured cold water on speculations linking him with a summer exit from St James’ Park by expressing his desire to stay at the club.
A number of England’s top clubs are believed to be keeping close tabs on the Ivorian, but it appears he is unconcerned by the transfer talk.
“Newcastle is like a family,” Tiote explained to Metro. “I’ve been here four years and love playing for the club, it’s the best thing I have ever done in my career and I hope I continue to give my best for the club.
“It’s the sort of place you like to stay. It’s much different to any other club, we know the fans are 200 per cent behind us but sometimes we have bad games.
“When I stop playing, I will be able to tell my children I played at St James’ Park in front of 50,000 in that great atmosphere.”
Newcastle will definitely need Tiote to stay if they are to show some improvement next season, with the Magpies recently slipping to ninth in the Premier League standings.
After losing three of last four league fixtures, Alan Pardew’s charges are 4.00 (3/1) to defeat Manchester United at St James’ Park.
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