A deal that could ensure Tiote stays on Tyneside.

Sky Sports News are claiming that Chelsea boss André Villas-Boas is indeed interested in acquiring the services of West Ham midfielder Scott Parker.

Apparently the Portuguese gaffer has gone on record and said that he is interested in the former Newcastle and Chelsea midfielder as he looks to bring in cover for the injured Michael Essien.

A loan deal has been mentioned which would surely suit both Chelsea and West Ham as it would allow Parker to stay in the Premier League and give Chelsea a temporary whilst fix whilst Essien recovers and whilst the Hammers try to get themselves back to the promised land.

You may wonder what on earth this has to do with Newcastle, right? Well quite simply it means that the knock on effect could see a quick end to the speculation linking Cheik Tiote with a move to Stamford Bridge as cover for the aforementioned stricken Ghanaian midfielder.

Now I know no contact has been made by Chelsea, apparently, and the player himself has said that he is happy at NUFC but to be honest that still doesn't fill me with confidence. Maybe I'm panicking for no reason, but it's the whole Andy Carroll thing that has got me feeling this way. The signs are pretty similar after all aren't they?

This is why I'll not feel confident about Cheik Tiote staying at Newcastle until the transfer window slams shut, and even then it will only provide a temporary respite until the rumour mill cranks up again come mid-December.

Whenever you hear of speculation linking Cheik Tiote with a move away from Newcastle it's ultimately Chelsea's name that keeps on popping up. The only way that it will stop is if they address their problem without touching Tiote, which is why I'd love them to sign Scott Parker!

Maybe I'm reading too much into it all, but it would certainly help me rest knowing that they have covered the loss of Essien without having to resort to player who is vitally important to the way our team plays. After all, can you hand on heart say that our ownership (some say regime but the Khmer Rouge is a regime. Get a grip!) will do their best to rebuff a big money bid?

The six year contract, the denials, the professions of happiness, they all mean nothing at the end of the day, as January demonstrated perfectly well. The only thing that does matter is having Tiote in our squad come the start of September, and with Chelsea seemingly looking elsewhere it gives us one less club to worry about.

Temporarily at least!