Newcastle fear Chelsea FC could bid for Cheick Tiote or Yohan Cabaye

Newcastle reportedly fear Chelsea or Manchester United could launch bids for midfield duo Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye.

Cabaye recently admitted he was aware of speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford, but insisted he is focused on Newcastle.

Tiote has also been linked with United over the past months, while Chelsea are known to be admirers, and according to the Daily Mirror, the Magpies fear the two clubs could come in for either player before the transfer window closes.

How strong Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest in either player still is remains to be seen as the Scot has indicated that his summer spending is over, but Magpies boss Alan Pardew is bracing himself for a bid.

“We are on our guard in case some really big bid comes in and we need to react because if someone goes out, another player will come in,” Pardew said at the weekend.

“But success for me in this transfer window would be losing none of our stars.”

Cabaye, who has also been linked with Arsenal, had last month said: “There are rumours. I am following it a little.

“But I have four years remaining on my contract with Newcastle.

“Today I don’t want to know anything. That is what agents are for.”