Cheick Tiote's firmly back in Steve McClaren's plans at Newcastle after spell in limbo

A proposed £4million move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua broke down last month.

But the long-serving midfielder, understood to be interested Beijing Guoan, could yet leave relegation-threatened United this month.

In the meantime, head coach McClaren won't be afraid to recall him to his team.

And Tiote – who hasn't played for almost a month – is in the squad for this afternoon's must-win home game against West Bromwich Albion.

Asked if Tiote could yet leave St James's Park, McClaren said: "Yes, but he's come back training a week.

"He's been fine. For whatever reason, it hasn't worked out.

"But he's come back fighting and lively in training, and has been his usual Cheicky, which is good."

McClaren previously coached Tiote at Dutch club FC Twente.