Cheick Tiote Pledges His Future to Newcastle United

Overachieving in the Premier League can be a double-edged sword. Yes, it nets you great results, but it's usually followed by a great fight to keep the players who helped you make a run in the first place.

Newcastle find themselves in just such a situation. Tipped by most observers to finish in the bottom half prior to the start of the season, the Toon have rampaged through the campaign and now find themselves knocking on Europe's door.

As a result of their success, key players such as Demba Ba, Tim Krul and Cheick Tiote are being sized up by rivals.

Tiote addressed the transfer rumors head on in a conversation with the Newcastle Evening Chronicle on Friday.

"I'm a Newcastle player," Tiote declared. "My future is at Newcastle. I'm playing for Newcastle and I have to finish this season strongly and help the team get into Europe.

The statement will be music to the ears of manager Alan Pardew. Tiote has been a stopping force in the center of the Newcastle midfield since joining the club in 2010 from FC Twente.

The Ivorian signed a six-and-a-half-year contract at Newcastle last February, and his most recent comments indicate that he's very happy in the north east.

Despite injury and the African Cup of Nations, the Ivorian has played 19 times for Pardew this term.

Newcastle have only lost three times this season with Tiote in the line-up.