A tale of two one-time Newcastle strikers, as Obafemi Martins released by Shanghai Shenha and Demba Ba returns on £7m a year deal.

New escape route opens up for Cheick Tiote after being left out of Rafa Benitez’ 6 matchday squads this season, despite starting all of those final 6 unbeaten games last season.

Sticking point on Cheick Tiote transfer is now claimed to be ‘contractual issues’ and not a failed medical.

The moment comes, the ball falls for Papiss Cisse only 7 yards out at home for his new club Shandong Luneng, what could possibly go wrong…watch it here.

Newcastle originally willing to sell the player for £6m, that is said to be no longer the case and the club won’t allow any deal to go through, even though Cheick Tiote still allegedly wants to leave.

A move to China could still happen for Cheick Tiote and even the likes of Papiss Cisse now he is on his way back to fitness – Mike Ashley would snap their hands off if any decent transfer fee is on offer.

Steve McClaren has seemingly made clear where he would like to see Cheick Tiote playing for the rest of the season…

Cheick Tiote could be back on Tyneside after Shanghai Shenhua refused to significantly raise his Newcastle United £60,000 a week wages.

The deal to take Cheick Tiote to Shanghai Shenhua hangs in the balance due to disagreement on personal terms.

Monday morning has brought confirmation that Newcastle are moving closer to a deal to bring Andros Townsend to St James Park.