Newcastle and Al Jazira are said to be close to agreeing a fee for Cheick Tiote after an initial £800,000 bid was turned down – the player himself reported to be happy with the offer of £4m a season in wages.

Newcastle United have turned down bids for both Florian Thauvin and Cheick Tiote.

Cheick Tiote looks to be leaving Newcastle United, not travelling to Southend he is reported to be in ‘advanced talks’ to join Al Jazira.

Ex-Belgian defender and former manager of Marseille, Eric Gerets, wants to give Ben Arfa a route back into football.