The £6 million transfer move of Newcastle United FC midfielder Cheick Tiote to Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC has reportedly stalled after a disagreement on the player's salary demands has ensued.
Chronicle Live noted that because of the conflict, the whole negotiation might fall through accordingly.
The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international have said to be already flown to China ahead of the official signing to undergo medical and complete some papers, but the transfer has not pushed through yet as of the moment.
The report continued that "it is unclear whether or not negotiations remain ongoing between the club and the player".
Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren, who previously handled Tiote with Dutch squad FC Twente, have verified last week that the 5-foot-11 Ivorian is already on his way to China to play for CSL's Shanghai Shenhua, as per Sports Mole. Meanwhile, the Magpies have already bought two players this winter transfer window that occupy Tiote's same position, namely Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet.
The Mag reported that Shanghai did not agree on "significantly" increasing Tiote's £60,000 a week salary, which allegedly caused the delay.
Tiote reportedly passed his medical and legal tests, but upon revealing his salary demand, the Chinese club was said to be "stunned" with his request.
The report continued that if the move to China would be unsuccessful, then the Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast native is also considering a transfer to the Middle East instead of returning to the English Premier League.
Tiote has played for seven seasons with the Magpies since he was acquired in August 2010 for a transfer fee of £3.5 million from Twente.