These 2 Newcastle stars must leave in January for their own good

Cheick Tiote

Cheick Tiote established himself as a regular at Newcastle back in 2010, helped by several impressive displays, and indeed that memorable long-range stunner to help the Magpies draw 4-4 with Arsenal in February 2011.

However, his career in the North East has somewhat nosedived in recent years, and it’s now just a matter of time before he ends his seven-year spell at St James’ Park.

And that time should be this month.

The 30-year-old midfielder is not the player he was, and is clearly nowhere near Benitez’s first team plans, given that the Ivorian international has played just 80 minutes of football this season, only 15 of which have come in the Championship.

Although he started the draw with Birmingham in the FA Cup ten days ago, Tiote’s time at Newcastle is up, and for the benefit of both him and the club, he should move on this month, with Sporting Gijon looking the likely destination.