Friday 15 January 2016 16:25, UK
Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren has confirmed midfielder Cheick Tiote has travelled to China to discuss a proposed move to Shanghai Shenhua.
Tiote has become expendable at Newcastle following the signings this week of Henri Saivet and Jonjo Shelvey.
The 29-year-old started Tuesday night's 3-3 draw with Manchester United but McClaren revealed that is likely to be his last appearance in a Magpies shirt.
McClaren said: "There's an approach from a Chinese team and Cheick is currently on his way to meet them.
"There's no agreement, nothing has been finalised, nothing has been agreed, the player is just going out there to have a chat with them and see how that ends up."
As a result, Tiote will not be in the squad for Saturday's visit of West Ham to St James' Park, unlike Florian Thauvin, who is available for selection despite suggestions he could rejoin Marseille on loan after failing to settle on Tyneside.
But Netherlands international Siem de Jong will be missing for up to two weeks after suffering a nasty eye injury, which required hospital treatment, in training.
Tuesday's draw with Manchester United leaves Newcastle 19th in the Premier League table, but McClaren is pleased with how the board have shown faith in him to keep the team up by backing him in the transfer market.
"January is such a tough time to have a window," McClaren said. "We are just delighted that in such a busy period - with three games in a week - that we have managed to bring in two quality midfield players.
"I think it is an important step as we look to progress the club. It's about the board really, making these decisions. From the summer we have always come together and talked about how we can progress the club.
"If players come along to improve it, can we get them? The board have done a terrific job, I think, in bringing two players in."
McClaren has also not ruled out making further additions to his squad before the window closes.
"As we have always said, there is a lot of talk behind the scenes and behind closed doors but when something happens we will talk about it," McClaren said.
