Cheick Tiote set for Newcastle exit after Jonjo Shelvey arrival

Shelvey last night joined the relegation-threatened club from Swansea City in a £12million deal.

The midfielder’s arrival followed that of £5million winger Henri Saivet from Bordeaux 24 hours earlier.

Shelvey – who had become unsettled at the Liberty Stadium late last year – has signed a five-a-half-year deal at St James’s Park.

But the 23-year-old’s arrival is likely to be followed by the transfer-window departure of long-serving midfielder Cheick Tiote, linked with a move to big-spending Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, who also have former Newcastle striker Demba Ba on their books.

United are willing to offload Tiote now they have signed Shelvey.

Asked if Tiote had played his final game for the club after last night’s 3-3 draw against Manchester United, head coach Steve McClaren said: “I am not too sure.”

Tiote – who is halfway through his sixth season at the club – is understood to be open to a move away from Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Shelvey revealed he drove through the night to sign for United.

Shelvey set off for Tyneside on Monday night after Swansea accepted a bid for him.

“I’m very excited to be here,” said the England international.

“I’m so glad that it’s finally done.

“I drove up through the night to be here, so it’s been a manic 24 hours.

“But it’s all been worth it to come here and play for this great club.”

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren had been keen for the club to strengthen his midfield options.

McClaren said: “He has great experience for a young English central midfielder, so I’m certain he will be a great addition to the squad.

“He is a player we have admired for some time and we’re very pleased that we’ve now been able to bring him here.”

Shelvey started his career at Charlton Athletic before moving to Liverpool in 2010.

He moved to Swansea three years later.