Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote has died after collapsing while training with his club in China.

The 30-year-old joined Chinese Super League side Beijing Enterprises. He was said to have slumped at the training ground on Monday and taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“On 5th June during a training session, Cote D’Ivoire international Cheick Tioté suddenly fainted,” Beijing Enterprises said in a statement.

“The club rushed him to hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7 o’clock local time. The club has been in contact with its family.”

Tiote, who spent seven years playing for English Premier League club, Newcastle, was said to have suffered a heart attack.

The deceased’s agent, Emanuele Palladino, announced Tiote’s passing in a statement.

He said, “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.”