Ivory Coast's Tiote set to join Newcastle United

Ivory Coast midfielder Cheik Tiote is close to signing a contract with English Premier League side Newcastle United, his Dutch club Twente Enschede said on their official website (www.fctwente.nl) on Saturday.

The 24-year-old, who is a regular for the Ivory Coast after forcing his way into the side at the Nations Cup in January, has to pass a medical and get a work permit before he can sign.

Tiote, who played at this year's World Cup in South Africa, joined Twente in 2008 after spells at Anderlecht and Roda JC Kerkrade and helped them win the Dutch title last season.

Ex-Italy striker Lucarelli joins Napoli on loan

Former Italy striker Cristiano Lucarelli has joined Napoli on loan from first division rivals Parma with an option to make the move a permanent deal, club officials said on Saturday.

"Lucarelli is with Napoli now and he can feel like a part of our family," president Aurelio de Laurentiis told Radio Marte, the club's official station.

The highlight of Lucarelli's career was a four-year spell at Livorno from 2003 to 2007 where he scored 92 goals in 146 appearances and was the Serie A top scorer in 2004-05 with 24 goals in 35 games.

The 34-year-old had a quiet season with Ukraine side Shakhtar Donetsk and returned to Italy, scoring 16 goals in 45 games for Parma before netting 10 times in 28 matches while on loan at Livorno last season.