Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote is close to signing for Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who has four months left on contract, travelled to China late last week after agreeing terms on the move.
Tiote had offers from Sporting Gijon and Premier League sides during January but is now expected to team up with former St James' Park team mate Papiss Cisse and Southampton striker Graziano Pelle who also play for Shandong.
The Ivorian joined the Magpies in July 2010 but with his current deal running out this summer, he is now undergoing a medical at the Chinese Super League outfit.