Newcastle United’s pending £8m move for international midfielder in doubt over wage demands

Ivory Coast international Cheick Tiote could remain with Newcastle United this month as his proposed move to China reportedly hangs in the balance, according to the Guardian.

The Premier League club agreed an £8m fee with Shanghai Shenhua for the central midfielder, but it seems Tiote’s wage demands could scupper a January transfer.

The 29-year-old, who has 55 international caps for his country, has failed to score in 13 appearances in all competitions for Steve McClaren’s Magpies this season.

It is understood that the Ivorian is asking for an increase on his current £60,000-a-week wages at St James’ Park, something the Chinese outfit met with refusal.