Riding off into the sunset is a Hollywood cliche but it’s how Cheick Tiote is hoping to exit St James Park.
Claims in The Chronicle suggest that Tiote’s agent has contact two Qatari clubs, one of which is Al Sadd. The magnificent Spanish midfielder, Xavi, captains their team.
It would have been an interesting telephone conversation between Tiote and his agent. Until his Mr20% put him right and reminded the Ivory Coast international that Hernandez is described as a former Barcelona player, not a current one.
Whilst no doubt reassuring his client that he isn’t joining the building crew at one of the new stadia. Things haven’t got that bad. Yet.
His agent has also contact Al Ahli, who finished sixth last season apparently.
That his options are limited to Qatar, China or MLS football says it all. The latter two are moves he can’t make until the end of the year and it would be no surprise to find Newcastle pushing him toward to the Middle East if they can.
It makes sense for him as well, with his international career over if he stays on Tyneside but not necessarily so if he moves on.