Pardew to strengthen French connection

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is set to end his frustration in the transfer market with the capture of defenders Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massadio Haidara from French clubs Montpellier and Nancy respectively.

Montpellier reported on their website that Yanga-Mbiwa is currently on Tyneside to undergo a medical with a view to completing a deal worth in the region of £7million, while a statement from Nancy has revealed they have agreed a fee for Haidara's switch to the Magpies.

The deals end a series of near-misses for under-pressure Pardew, with long-time target Loic Remy resisting a move last week and choosing instead to commit to QPR.

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