Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote is back on the agenda at Chelsea.

The Sun says Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez wants a new midfield signing after hearing that Oriol Romeu is out for the season following knee surgery.

Tiote has been a long-term target for Blues.

Benitez is assessing the weak areas in the team and has been assured by owner Roman Abramovich there is cash to spend in the January transfer window.