Cheick Tiote wants to leave Newcastle: 'Its maybe time to look elsewhere'

Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse at St. James' Park, Cheick Tiote has expressed a desire to leave Newcastle during the January transfer window.

Speaking with reporters in the Ivory Coast, Tiote stated: "I want to leave. I've spent four years with Newcastle and I think I've reached the stage where it's maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge. 

"I will focus on the upcoming games and see what happens between now and December but it is true there was contact for me in the summer from Arsenal and also from a club in Russia. I would prefer to stay in England, though."

Tiote, who cost Newcastle only £3.5 million when he was signed from FC Twente and whose contract with the Tyneside club runs until 2017, is a key figure in Alan Pardew's midfield, providing the team with an excellent defensive presence ahead of the backline.

Newcastle sit 19th in the Premier League with a mere three points from its first six fixtures as supporters are calling for Pardew to be sacked.