Rumour: Manchester United linked with Newcastle midfielder

Cheick Tiote

Manchester United are planning a summer bid for Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote, according to The Daily Star.

Old Trafford boss David Moyes is desperate to bolster his midfield ranks as United’s current crop of players have had a disastrous season in the middle of the park. Although the lack of a creative spark has been addressed via the capture of Juan Mata for a club record £37.1 million, there is still no defensive steel. United need a leader that is cut from the same cloth as former hero Roy Keane that can organise and drive the team forward.

Moyes is believed to be keen on 27-year-old Tiote, who has earned a reputation for his non nonsense, occasionally cynical approach at Newcastle. Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielder’s in the division, Tiote would provide adequate protection for United’s rearguard.

However, having failed to replace Yohan Cabaye, who joined Paris Saint Germain in January, Newcastle may be unwilling to allow the Ivorian to leave the cub until they have brought in new recruits of their own.

The departure of Joe Kinnear, who failed to secure a permanent signing during his stint on Tyneside, may make negotiations for a replacement easier for manager Alan Pardew, but he may still be powerless to prevent  the former FC Twente star from leaving for The Red Devils.

Cheick Tiote has an 81% take-on success this season with 20/24.