Cheick Tiote update: Newcastle midfielder undergoing medical in China

The Newcastle United midfielder travelled to China on Friday. And Tiote is understood to have undergone a medical at a Chinese club.

The 30-year-old – who joined Newcastle in the summer of 2010 – made what now seems certain to be his last appearance for the club in last month’s FA Cup replay against Birmingham City.

Tiote was the only player that United manager Rafa Benitez was prepared to lose in the winter transfer window.

Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng are one of the clubs interested in signing Tiote.

Tiote made 156 appearances – and scored one goal – for Newcastle in his six and a half seasons at St James’s Park.

The Ivory Coast international, out of contract in the summer, would be reunited with ex-United team-mate Papiss Cisse should he join Luneng.

The Gazette reported last month, amid speculation linking Tiote with a move to Spanish side Sporting Gijon, that China would be his move likely destination.

Tiote – who become unsettled on Tyneside in 2014 – came close to joining Shanghai Shenhua a year ago.