Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has called on Magpies midfielder Cheick Tiote to knock back a big money move to China in order to help the Premier League club avoid relegation.

Tiote has been the subject of interest from Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua, while it is understood a number of other clubs from the region are keeping tabs on the 29-year-old Ivorian.

However, McClaren is adamant Tiote remains part of his plans at St James' Park and wants him to stay as the Magpies get set for a relegation battle.

"Tiote has only been back training [following a knee injury] with us for two days but he's 100 per cent committed," McClaren said.

"If he keeps his composure and passes simply, he's a very good player. I hope he stays now."