ALAN PARDEW thinks Cheik Tiote has proven just how much he wants to stay at Newcastle United.

Quotes attributed to the Ivorian international have emerged over the last 48 hours suggesting that he was looking for a move following the Magpies’ frustrating start to the campaign.

But with two further years remaining on his contract at St James’ Park beyond this campaign, Pardew is unconcerned after seeking clarification from the midfielder.

And the Newcastle boss said: “When a player goes to their own country - and that can be Africa, France, Holland or wherever - we always seem to get misquoted versions of events and this is one of those cases.

“His last two performances have been world class for a team that that hasn’t been functioning as it should be. That says it all for me. He’s a terrific player, a big character and I look forward to seeing him on Saturday doing what he does – playing football.”

Tiote was arguably Newcastle’s best player against both Hull City and Stoke City after recovering from injury and he is expected to start again at Swansea this weekend.

The 28-year-old, who attracted interest from Arsenal and a Russian club in the summer, has also rubbished suggestions that he will be looking to leave in the January transfer window.

He said: “I saw the quotes that appeared but they are not accurate. Yes, there was some interest in me over the summer and that can be a bit distracting, but nothing came of it.

“I’m back to full fitness and only thinking about doing my best for the team. We are not in a good position in the league right now and I want to get us up to where we should be. I’m as committed as I have ever been.”

The pressure has increased on Pardew to turns things around on Tyneside after failing to win a Premier League this season; they have won just five league games since the turn of the year.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley continues to stand by his manager. Pardew is grateful and determined to bring brighter times back to St James’.

“I’m very fortunate to have an owner that can see we are fighting for the club,” said Pardew. “The fans are angry and want to see their team win. They don’t want to see us lose any more.

“We have a team that’s not quite functioning as we would like but there is nowhere to hide. It’s like a boxing ring – there is nowhere to hide.

"People keep asking me are you going to come back? What are you going to do? Are you going to stay on the line?

“Well I’m not going to hide and I don’t expect my players to hide. It’s about digging in at this point and we need to do it as a team. If we can show that, something will fall our way.”