Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has admitted that he wants to call time on his career at St James' Park for a "new challenge".
Manager Alan Pardew recently stated that he wants to offer the 28-year-old a new deal, but the midfielder has been quoted in an Ivorian magazine as saying that he wants to leave.
Tiote has also revealed that Arsenal approached him about possibly moving to the Emirates during the summer transfer window.
"I want to leave," Tiote is quoted as saying. "I've spent four years with Newcastle. I think I have reached a stage where it's maybe time for me to look elsewhere for a new challenge.
"I will focus on upcoming games and let's see what happens between now and December. It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia. I'd prefer to stay in England."
Tiote, who joined the Magpies from FC Twente in 2010, is contracted to the club until 2017.
Danielle Joynson
