Chelsea are considering a move for Ivorian midfielder Cheik Tiote to replace Michael Essien at the end of the season.
The Ghanaian international who has been hugely linked with a summer move to Italian powerhouse Juventus is losing first team grip under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo with the club keen to listen to offers from other clubs for his signature.
The 29-year-old came on a second half substitute during Chelsea‘s crucial Premier League game against Manchester City at the Eastlands on Wednesday night.
He gifted City the equalizer after he handled the ball in the penalty area which led to the revival of their spirit as they eventually won 2-1 to keep the chase on cross-town rivals Manchester United.
The Blues who have long admired the Newcastle enforcer is seen as the perfect replacement for the Ghanaian international who has endured turbulent recurrent injuries which has limited his impact at the club.
Tiote, who joined the Magpies from Dutch side FC Twente in the summer of 2010, could cost Chelsea a staggering $20,000.