With Wanyama and Witsel off the table, Spurs turn to out-of-favor Newcastle midfielder

Tottenham Hotspur's efforts to sign a midfielder continue to be frustrated. First, Southampton rejected a rumored £20 million bid for Victor Wanyama, then Zenit midfielder Axel Witsel confirmed that he could not leave Zenit because the Russian club had no time to sign a replacement. With both of those names out of the running, Spurs now appear ready to turn their attention to out-of-favor and out-of-form Newcastle midfielder Cheik Tiote.

Tiote seems to be struggling to manager Steve McClaren's system and has found himself on the bench behind Vurnon Anita and Jack Colback. Tiote formed a stellar partnership with current Crystal Palace playmaker Yohan Cabaye during their time at Newcastle, but has slowly seen his form dip for the Magpies.

The possibility of this transfer gets only a small mention in the Evening Standard, so it's unclear if this a real possibility that's been sourced or just the author putting one and one together. At 29 years of age, Tiote would be a body capable of playing in the Premier League and a competent back-up/rotation option for Eric Dier. I can't image the fees or wages being too high for Tiote, but we all remember how our last deadline panic buy of a midfielder went (Miss you, Benji!).

Spurs need a midfielder, particularly a capable defensive midfielder. It seems like a first-team option is now out of reach, but getting a competent player to back up Dier or whoever we use in midfield should still be a priority.