Newcastle Transfer News Round-Up: Every Player The Magpies Have Been Linked With From June 22nd-28th

2. Cheick Tiote

Newcastle United are looking to offload some of their expensive under-performers this summer - and they have had their first interest in Cheick Tiote. Trabzonspor officials have already held preliminary discussions with Tiote's representatives about a move this summer, according to Turkish broadcaster Lig TV. Although free agent Stephane Mbia was Trabzonspor's first choice as a defensive-midfield recruit this summer, they have been put off by his inflated wage demands. Instead, the Turkish club have reportedly approached Tiote about moving from one side of Europe to the other this summer. The 29-year-old Ivorian has been consistently linked with a move to Turkey or Russia in recent seasons as he has gradually fallen down the pecking order at St James' Park. A £3.5 million recruit from FC Twente in 2010, Tiote formed a formidable central-midfield partnership with Yohan Cabaye during his first two seasons at Newcastle but he has struggled to reach such heights since. Interestingly, despite widespread reports last season that Tiote would leave the North East this summer, Steve McClaren's arrival as head coach was expected to prolong the 48-cap Ivory Coast international's Magpies career. Tiote was part of McClaren's Eredivisie-winning side at Twente, but it appears as if the new Newcastle boss is willing to let the ageing defensive-midfielder move on. Since arriving at Newcastle in 2010, Tiote has made 130 appearances, scoring just once - an unbelievable volley to complete a remarkable comeback during the 4-4 draw against Arsenal at St James' Park in 2011 - but he has struggled to find consistent form due to a string of niggling injuries.