Big names set to leave Newcastle as club narrows down striker search

Cheick Tiote is on the brink of a £4million move to Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua.

And Florian Thauvin could return to former club Olympique Marseille on loan after just five months at St James’s Park.

Lille are also interested in Yoan Gouffran, who, like Thauvin, is on the fringes of Steve McClaren’s side.

Newcastle this week signed midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and winger Henri Saivet, who could make their debuts in tomorrow’s home Premier League game against West Ham United.

But the club, 19th in the Premier League table and a point adrift of safety. also needs to sign a striker to address a lack of goals.

United are continuing to scour the market for a striking reinforcement, but the club’s options are limited.

West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino – who has a £23million price tag – is one target, but Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the unsettled player.

A move for QPR striker Charlie Austin, close to a return from a hamstring problem, looks unlikely.

And Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has indicated that former Newcastle forward Loic Remy will not be allowed to leave the club.

Hiddink’s stance, however, could change by the end of the month, depending the business done at Stamford Bridge.

There could be a number of outgoings from St James’s Park over the coming days.

Negotiations are ongoing over a big-money move to China for midfielder Tiote, who played in Tuesday’s draw against Manchester United.

Reports in France have claimed that Thauvin himself instigated talks over a return to Marseille.

The 22-year-old winger, signed for £12million, has struggled to hold down a place at his new club, and he was booed by some United fans during last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Watford.

However, it is unclear whether United will sanction a loan.

Lille boss Frederic Antonetti, meanwhile, has confirmed his club’s interest in forward Gouffran.

Antonetti is looking to strengthen his attacking options, and Gouffran, used as a defensive midfielder by McClaren, is under consideration.

“He is one of the players that may interest us, even though he no longer plays as a centre-forward,” said Antonetti.