Toon boss Alan Pardew is worried that midfielder Cheik Tiote may be a target for Chelsea following his scorcher against Arsenal at the weekend (Newcastle top four finish in Premier League – 80/1).

Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in the Ivorian following his wonder strike against Arsenal at the weekend – which secured a draw for the Magpies (Chelsea 5/1 to win Premier League).

Tiote, who has been one of the success stories at St James’ Park this season, is likely to pick up interest from other clubs and Pardew is well aware of this.

He said: “I hoping there are no bids otherwise we will have a problem.

“Tiote is a very important player, very talented and someone we want to be a big part of our future.”

Tiote, who has 13 caps for the Ivory Coast, was brought to St James ‘Park at the beginning of this season from Dutch side FC Twente.

Following a week which has seen Newcastle lose star striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool, following Fernando Torres’s departure to Stamford Bridge, Pardew will be keeping a close eye on the London club.

With Premier League survival their main aim this season, losing key players from their squad will only add pressure on the Magpies boss.