Sporting Gijon 'close to Cheick Tiote deal'

Sporting Gijon are reportedly close to completing the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote.

The Ivorian international will be out of contract at Newcastle in the summer and it is understood that the Magpies are prepared to lose the midfielder on a free transfer this month.

A number of clubs have been linked with the 30-year-old, but according to The Chronicle, Sporting Gijon's sporting director Nico Rodriguez flew to Newcastle earlier this week to oversee a deal to bring the midfielder to Spain.

Tiote joined Newcastle from FC Twente in the summer of 2010 and has made more than 150 appearances for the English club in all competitions, but has only appeared once in the Championship this season.

Sporting Gijon currently occupy 18th position in the La Liga table ahead of their home match with Eibar this weekend.