CHEIK Tiote feels at home at Newcastle United – and has no intention of leaving the club.
The midfielder has long been linked with a big-money move away from St James’s Park.
And Chelsea are among the clubs to have had Tiote watched last season, when he was a pivotal figure as Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League.
‘My future is at Newcastle United’ says Cheik Tiote
However, the 25-year-old, despite the potential financial riches – not to mention Champions League football – potentially on offer elsewhere, is committed to United, the club he joined from FC Twente as an unknown two years ago.
The Gazette understands Tiote told his team-mates late last season he had no intention of leaving Newcastle, as did midfield partner Yohan Cabaye.
Tiote is also settled on Tyneside off the pitch, which helps him perform on the field.
“I like living in Newcastle, very much,” Tiote told the Gazette.
“It is a very simple life for me.
“I am at home with my family and I can just chill some days for the whole day. But when I want to go out and do some stuff, I can do that as well.
“People here are more friendly than aggressive, so life is all right for me here.”
Tiote is one of a number of Francophone players in Alan Pardew’s squad, but the Ivory Coast international – who played for his country in their 2-2 draw against Morocco last weekend – insists there aren’t any cliques in the dressing room.
“The French players have settled in, but it’s about the team here,” Tiote added.
With Tiote committed to the cause, of more concern is the future of striker Demba Ba, who had been a summer target of Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp.
Ba has a £7m release clause in his deal, and Turkish club Galatasaray have also been credited with an interest in the 27-year-old, signed on a free transfer last summer.
Pardew said late last season that the club would look to renegotiate his contract.
Twitter: @milesstarforth
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