Newcastle United's French spree continues with Massadio Haidara deal

Newcastle United continued their French shopping spree on Thursday as Nancy defender Massadio Haidara completed his move to the struggling Premier League club for an undisclosed fee.

France Under-21 full-back Haidara became the fourth player from the French top-flight to join the Magpies this week after agreeing a five-and-a-half-year contract with Alan Pardew's team.

Pardew has been forced into the transfer market after a poor run of results left his side just two points above the relegation zone.

Prior to the Haidara deal, Newcastle had already signed Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Mathieu Debuchy and Bordeaux forward Yoan Gouffran.

Haidara, won over by Pardew's determination to sign him, insists he has no fears about Newcastle's lowly position.

"It was the desire of the club to sign me up which was the most important factor," Haidara said.

"It was nothing to do with the league position. It was really all about the club's desire and willingness to sign me up.

"Also, I like the club's ambition to strengthen the whole team so we can improve our league position. That's what appealed to me, so I didn't hesitate."

Pardew added: "Massadio is very highly thought of in France and he's somebody who our scouting team have been greatly impressed by.

"At the age of 20, he will only continue to get better but he's already played a lot of games in his country's top division and represented France at under-19, under-20 and under-21 level.

"He's strong and quick and we're looking forward to seeing him develop here."