United eyeing Cheick Tiote

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly targeted Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote after a series of good performances has helped Newcastle remain unbeaten this season.

Tiote signed for Newcastle from FC Twente in a £3.5 million deal last summer. He has since then been an essential part of their midfield, with clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid apparently monitoring his progress.

This season has seen him link up well with new signing Yohan Cabaye and help Newcastle to 4th in the table.

Tiote's name is another in a long list of players who have been linked to United to fill in the void left by the recently retired Paul Scholes.