Cheick Tiote has hit back at claims that he wants to leave Newcastle United by insisting that quotes attributed to him were "not accurate".
The midfielder was quoted as saying in Ivorian media that the time was right to leave St James' Park because he wants a "new challenge".
Tiote is also believed to have revealed that Arsenal contacted him in the summer transfer window regarding a possible move to the Emirates.
In response to the reports, Tiote told the club's official website: "I saw the quotes that appeared yesterday, but they are not accurate. Yes, there was some interest in me over the summer and that can be a bit distracting, but nothing came of it.
"I'm back to full fitness and only thinking about doing my best for the team. We are not in a good position in the league right now and I want to get us up to where we should be. I am as committed as I have ever been to Newcastle."
The Ivorian joined the Magpies from FC Twente in 2010.
Danielle Joynson
