Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Newcastle manager's U-turn on transfer plans
STEVE McCLAREN wants to keep Cheick Tiote at Newcastle in a surprise U-turn.
Cheick Tiote (left) impressed Newcastle boss Steve McClaren this weekend
Tiote, 29, was expected to leave St James' Park for China or the Middle East this winter.
The Ivory Coast international was reportedly valued at £8million, with Newcastle willing to cash in on the player.
But Saivet will have to battle for his place in a now-congested midfield after McClaren also landed Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey during the window.
As for Tiote, the player is still not guaranteed a stay in the north east, with the Chinese transfer window extending until 26 February.