CHEIK TIOTE is back on Tyneside but Steve McClaren still expects him to leave Newcastle United this month.

McClaren, who has revealed defender Steven Taylor will return to improve the Magpies’ defensive crisis at Watford tomorrow afternoon, is confident Tiote’s £8m move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua will still go ahead.

There is understood to be complications over his wage demands in the Far East, although McClaren does not feel that will prove enough to prevent him from completing a switch.

“Negotiations are still ongoing,” said McClaren. “There was a complication that they were in camp in Spain so they have not got back together. But I can’t see any complications.”

Tiote will not be considered for Newcastle’s game at Watford, where McClaren is struggling to field a back four after injuries to Paul Dummett and Jack Colback (both hamstring problems).

One of Jamaal Lascelles or Chancel Mbemba is likely to be asked to slot in at left-back against the Hornets, while Steven Taylor will be on the bench for the first time since appearing against Manchester United in August.

“Kevin Mbabu is out, Dummett has a tight hamstring, Colback who deputised at left back has a little niggle which we will not take a risk on, so we have four fit defenders,” said McClaren.

“Taylor will be in the squad and probably on the bench. In terms of balance it is very difficult, but we will find a solution somewhere and players will have to step in and do a job.”

McClaren remained coy on transfers as Newcastle continue to pursue attacking targets, with Saido Berahino and Andros Townsend the two prime targets despite a lack of progress in striking deals with West Brom and Tottenham respectively.

The Newcastle boss said: “As I said, we know what is going on behind the scenes, unfortunately, we leave the media to speculate. We have stayed quiet and it would be disrespectful to comment on any single player or club which is being speculated on.

“We are always busy. Everybody is busy in the January transfer window, whether that is keeping players. We have been linked with 40 players already in January. Behind the scenes we are calm and quietly going about our business and concentrating on Watford.

“January provides an opportunity, ten days to go and let’s wait and see.”