Former Newcastle United player Tiote passes away

Former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has died reportedly of a heart attack during training in China.

The 30-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder collapsed at a training ground on Monday and was later taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Tiote joined the Chinese Super League side Beijing Enterprises in January this year.

"I can confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises.We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family's privacy be respected at this difficult time. We ask for all your prayers," the Guardian quoted Tiote's agent Emanuele Palladino, as saying.

A statement, quoted by the Guardian, from Beijing Enterprises added, "During a routine training session at 6 p.m. today, Ivory Coast player Cheik Tiote suddenly fainted and the club immediately rushed him to hospital, but unfortunately efforts to save him failed and he passed away at 7 p.m. The player's relatives have been informed. Beijing Enterprises football club expresses its deep sorrow and profound condolences for Tiote's untimely death."

Tiote began his footballing career with his homeland with FC Bibo before moving to Anderlecht as a teenager.

He also played under Steve McClaren at FC Twente in the Netherlands before joining Newcastle in 2010 for £3.5 m, going on to make more than 150 appearances.

Tiote also made 53 appearances for Ivory Coast and was in the squad that won the 2015 African Nations Cup. He played at the World Cup in both 2010 and 2014.

As the news of his death spread, condolences poured across from all quarters including his former team the New Castle United.