Pardew keen to keep Tiote

Alan Pardew is preparing to ward off potential suitors for star midfielder Chiekh Tiote as the January transfer window approaches.

Although Tiote has not played since injuring his knee in October, his robust performances in the heart of Newcastle’s midfield have not gone unnoticed by some of the top clubs in the English Premier League.

But Pardew warned any club circling would have to pay ‘big money’ if they want to prise the Ivorian away from Sports Direct Arena.

“I think he’s a big target because he’s a great player and great players are going to be targets,” Pardew said.

“They are going to have to pay a lot of money if they want to take anybody out of here because we are obviously in a good position, not just on the playing side but financially as well, so we’ll have to look at that in a structured way.”

“We’re always on our guard with Cheickh anyway because we realise that to us he is very, very important and it would be very, very difficult to get him out of here.”

“You never know with the (transfer) window, it’s such a minefield of possibilities.”

Tiote is in line to return against Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday, while Pardew also expects Mike Williamson to come in for the home game.

Central defender Williamson played a key role last campaign but has since been displaced by Steven Taylor, before the latter’s injury.

“He had a great season last year and it was only towards the end that Steven (Taylor) got back in the side so I think Mike (Williamson) would like to build on that and I’m looking forward to him doing it,” Pardew said.

On Swansea’s attacking style of play, Pardew was full of praise.

“A team that plays like Swansea, you’re liable to make the odd error and gift a goal because they put the ball at risk by the way they play out – you have to admire that,” he said.

“Brendan (Rodgers) has done a super job, so they’ve had a great, great start.”