Cheick Tiote insists he is staying with Newcastle amid speculation that Chelsea are circling for his signature. The Magpies were forced to issue a denial that the Blues had made contact over the 25-year-old Ivory Coast international earlier this week, with the rumour mill suggesting he could be a target in the wake of Michael Essien's latest injury blow.

However Tiote, who joined the club in a £3.5million switch from FC Twente last summer, is adamant he is staying at St James' Park.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I am a Newcastle player and I will do my job in Newcastle.

"I have a contract and that is the most important thing for me. I'm happy - if I wasn't happy, I wouldn't have signed for six years."

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