Manchester City have entered the race to sign Newcastle ace Cheick Tiote.
Toon boss Alan Pardew admitted after the 2-1 opening day win over Spurs that he was bracing himself for bids for his star players and one could now be forthcoming from City for Tiote.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been linked with the powerful midfielder, who joined Newcastle from FC Twente for a bargain £3.5million in 2010 and only signed a new long-term deal at the Sports Direct Arena last year.
Manchester United and Arsenal's interest cooled when Newcastle slapped a £20million price tag on the Ivory Coast international, while Chelsea have been long-time admirers.
Now champions City have entered the frame, with Roberto Mancini desperate to add some fresh faces to his squad, having so far this summer only signed Jack Rodwell from Everton.
With Nigel de Jong's future at the Etihad Stadium in doubt, Tiote is seen as the ideal replacement by Mancini and City are preparing to launch a big-money move.