Newcastle completed the signing of their fourth Frenchman in the January transfer window, and are closing in on their fifth as Alan Pardew builds a French legion at St James' Park.
The Magpies confirmed they had completed the signing of fullback Masadio Haidara from Nancy for an undisclosed fee, while Moussa Sissoko is on the verge of agreeing a move to Newcastle.
Haiadara, who signed a five-and-a-half year contract, is the fourth player to sign for the club in January, joining French compatriots Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Yoann Gouffran.
"It was the desire of the club to sign me up which was the most important factor," Haidara told the club's website. "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 said his scouting team had recommended the 20-year-old after being impressed by his performances.
"Massadio is very highly thought of in France and he's somebody who our scouting team have been greatly impressed by," he said.
"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."
Meanwhile, Newcastle are also closing in on the signing of midfielder Sissoko. The English Premier League club were thought to have a pre-contract agreement already in place for the player, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the season.
However, Pardew was keen on bringing in the midfielder in the winter transfer window, and according to the French club a deal has already been struck.
"Moussa Sissoko has agreed with Newcastle United for a definitive transfer that takes effect today," Toulouse said in a statement on their official website.
"All the club wishes him continued success in his career."
When asked about the transfer, Newcastle did not confirm or deny the deal, but Sissoko said he is looking forward to playing for the Premier League club.
"Newcastle is a club that attracts me, even if they do not have a good ranking currently," he told L'Equipe.
"I trust that group, considering what they achieved last season. Moreover, the officials have invested a lot on quality French players. They will have better results in the second part of the season.
"All those Frenchman are reassuring. I know them well and that would help me to adapt."
