Cheick Tiote has welcomed Newcastle United's January signing spree.

Tiote was away in South Africa for Ivory Coast's African Cup of Nations campaign as Newcastle swooped for several French additions.

"The club made a good decision to buy new players. Sissoko and Gouffran are good players to bring in, they have played well and helped the team have more confidence," he told the Evening Chronicle.

"It's good to be back with Newcastle now for me. I know all about the new players because I watch all of the French competitions on TV.

"We look good, better than two months before. We look sharp and compact again.

"The manager has made some good decisions to buy new players. Things are going to be OK."