Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Alan Pardew has confirmed that Cheick Tiote is a target of Lokomotiv Moscow.

The Russian Premier League club bid £4million for his services earlier this month but that figure is some way off Newcastle’s valuation of the player.

The Chronicle reported on August 11 that a clutch of clubs have interest in Tiote including Lokomotiv.

And while Pardew wants to keep the player a higher bid could see Newcastle cash in on their midfield star.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Pardew said that the bid was “below the club’s valuation” today at his pre-match Press conference for the Aston Villa game.

Tiote will miss the trip to the second city due to a hamstring injury.

Pardew did, though, state that Siem de Jong is in the squad and in contention for the visit to Villa.

He said: “Siem de Jong has trained all week and will be in the squad for Villa.

“Tiote has been running outside and working towards training.”

Pardew is expecting a tough test against a Villa side that beat Stoke.

He added: “We will be facing a Villa side who will be full of confidence after a great away win last week.

“We have to be stiff opposition.”