Newcastle set to cash in on Cheick Tiote

West Bromwich Albion's James Morrison is challenged by Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote during the Barclays Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday December 28, 2015. See PA story SOCCER West Brom. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Tiote is looking for new challenge away from St James’s Park – and Rafa Benitez won’t stand in his way.

The midfielder came close to joining Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in January.

But the proposed £4million move broke down after weeks of talks.

The Ivory Coast international went on to force his way back into the team at the expense of £12million January signing Jonjo Shelvey in the latter weeks of the campaign.

But the 30-year-old has just a year left on his St James’s Park contract.

And the club is prepared to let the combative player leave – if the price is right.

Tiote, previously a target for Locomotiv Moscow, could belatedly head to China, where there is big money on offer to established Premier League players.

Newcastle signed Henri Saivet from Bordeaux in January in anticipation of Tiote’s departure.

The 25-year-old didn’t feature under Benitez, and he faces an uncertain future at St James’s Park.

The Mail revealed last week that former United manager Alan Pardew was ready to offer Shelvey a Premier League lifeline at Crystal Palace.

However, Shelvey’s wages at St James’s Park could prove to be a stumbling block to a deal.

Shelvey, Tiote and Saivet are due to report back for pre-season training next week along with those not involved in Euro 2016 or summer internationals.