Manchester United are watching Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote. The People says Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by the 25-year-old tough-tackling Ivory Coast international, who was signed for just £3.5million from Dutch side FC Twente last year.

Despite a Premier League record-equalling 14 yellow cards last season, Tiote has been a smash hit on Tyneside - and it's not gone unnoticed by Ferguson.

But the 25-year-old signed a six-and-a-half year deal at Newcastle in February meaning it will take a huge offer to tempt owner Mike Ashley into doing business.