Arsenal are set to make a move for Cheick Tiote.

Having sold Alex Song to Barcelona in a £15million deal, Arsene Wenger wants to find a new defensive midfielder before the 31 August deadline.

The French coach is a long-term admirer of Ivory Coast international Tiote, who has been superb since joining Newcastle United two years ago.

Alan Pardew accepts it will be difficult to keep the 26-year-old if a sizeable bid arrives, and the Gunners are willing to pay as much as £20million.