Didn't know he was free. But a 6 and a half deal is fantastic. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/9407235.stm Newcastle midfielder Cheik Tiote has signed a new contract that runs until the end of the 2016/17 season. The six-and-a-half-year deal follows his arrival from FC Twente on a free transfer in August. Boss Alan Pardew said he was delighted to retain the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international on a long-term basis. "Cheik is exactly the type of player I want in my squad. He is fantastic on the pitch and in the changing room," said Pardew. "He offers us strength and presence in midfield and has proved himself to be one of the best in his position in the Premier League. "He's adapted brilliantly to the English game and I'm delighted he's signed a new deal with us." Ivorian Tiote, who played in last summer's World Cup, has impressed in his first season in England, with 21 appearances so far and also scored the qualiser in the dramatic 4-4 draw against Arsenal earlier this month. Click to play Click to play Cheik Tiote in World Cup action He and captain Kevin Nolan have become established in the centre of midfield, and Tiote is delighted to be staying at the club. "I am very happy today to have signed this new deal with Newcastle United," he said. "The experience of playing in the Premier League has been better than I ever hoped it could be. This is a great club and the fans have been brilliant - I have never known support like it." Excellent news. IMO.
He wasn't free...BBC are full of ****e...ã3.5m from FC Twente (he still had a year left on his contract, why would they simply release him?)
