Arsenal target Cheick Tiote reveals he wants to leave Newcastle

Cheick Tiote

Cheick Tiote has added to Newcastle's woes by admitting he wants to quit the club, reports the Chronicle.

The Ivorian was said to be unsettled back in August with his representatives playing for a move from Tyneside.

Arsenal and Lokomotiv Moscow were said to be interested then and he has told media in his homeland that he wants out.

He said: "I want to leave. I’ve spent four years with Newcastle.

“I think I have reached a stage where it’s maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge.”

Tiote though tried to assure fans he would stay focused on games at Newcastle.

He said: “I will focus on upcoming games and let’s see what happens between now and December.”

Tiote also admitted that a Russian club were interested in signing him.

He said: "It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia. I’d prefer to stay in England."

Alan Pardew  had also expressed concerns that Tiote - who he appointed as vice-captain this summer - was unsettled.

But he had spoken about the prospect of a new deal.

Pardew said: “You need big players like Cheick and Colo at this club and it’s important for their stature to underline that fact at times."