RAFA BENITEZ has admitted Cheik Tiote has edged closer to a move away from Newcastle United as he continues to pursue transfer targets in this window.

The Magpies are heading to Brentford tomorrow afternoon looking to extend the six point gap they have to third place in the Championship.

Tiote is unlikely to be involved after being given permission to leave Tyneside this month, with Sporting Gijon leading the group of three clubs to land him.

Benitez said: “Cheik has had a lot of clubs asking for him. Now we have two or three and they are really interested. Hopefully we can find the best for him.”

But the Newcastle boss’ priority is to add to his Newcastle squad in the next couple of weeks.

Benitez, who has recalled Sammy Ameobi and Jamie Sterry who will travel to London with the squad, said: “We are working hard trying to find the right players for us, we know we have brought back Ameobi and Sterry because they were doing well.

"We have three less players because of Africa Cup of Nations too. We are still working to find the right players for us.”

Aleksandar Mitrovic will be out for two to three weeks with the severe cut to his leg sustained against Birmingham City, while there are no other fresh injury concerns.

Newcastle have had to bring forward their game at Brentford that had been scheduled for Monday until earning a FA Cup replay with Birmingham next Wednesday. Benitez has sympathy with the fans.

He said: “The bad news is for our fans because they prepare everything in advance and they have to change their plans. We know Brentford are a good team, they play good football especially at home.

"We have seen yesterday between Reading and QPR that anything can happen in this division. We know it will be very tough.”