Cheick Tiote has told skysports.com that he is flattered by reported interest in him, but insists he 'loves' Newcastle United.
Midfielder insists he is not looking to leave Magpies
Cheick Tiote has told
skysports.com that he is flattered by reported interest in him, but insists he 'loves' Newcastle United.
The Ivorian has emerged as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League since joining Newcastle in 2010 from FC Twente.
His progress was rewarded in February this year with a six-and-half-year deal - but recent weeks has seen speculation increase that Newcastle could face a fight to hang on to him.
Chelsea were first to be credited with an interest, but Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all now said to be keeping close tabs on his situation.
However, Tiote insists that he is not thinking about leaving - although he is flattered by the interest.
"I am flattered by clubs interested but there is nothing official," he told
skysports.com.
"When teams such as Chelsea, City, Liverpool, United are interested in you it makes you think twice, but I love Newcastle, I belong to Newcastle and I enjoy my life here."
