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Newcastle set to complete late transfer: Terms agreed and medical done
NEWCASTLE outcast Cheick Tiote has had a medical in China and is set to complete his transfer to Shandong Luneng in the coming days.
Cheick Tiote is set to move to Chinese side Shandong Luneng
Tiote, 30, has been out of favour under Rafa Benitez and has played just 16 minutes of Championship football this season.
He is out of contract in the summer but can complete a move to the Chinese Super League now with their transfer window open until the end of this month.
Sporting Gijon tried to sign him last month but he appears set to join Shandong.
Cheick Tiote has struggled to get into Rafa Benitez's side in the Championship
Cheick Tiote has made just two starts this term, both coming in the FA Cup against Birmingham
Former Newcastle team-mate Papiss Cisse and ex-Southampton striker Graziano Pelle already play for the side.
They finished 14th last term but will expect a better push in the coming season.
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Tiote arrived at Newcastle from Dutch club Twente in 2010 and for four seasons was a mainstay in the side.
His highlight came in the dramatic 4-4 draw with Arsenal when he scored the 87th minute equaliser after the Gunners had led 4-0 at half time.
Cheick Tiote scored a stunning 87th minute equaliser against Newcastle in the 4-4 draw
But he has struggled for the past two seasons with Steve McClaren and Benitez favouring other players.
Tiote agreed personal terms for the move last week and has travelled to China to complete proceedings.
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