Newcastle sign Nancy left back Haidara on five-and-a-half year deal

Newcastle has confirmed the signing of Nancy left back Massadio Haidara on an five-and-a-half year contract.

The 20-year-old France youth international has been unveiled as the Magpie's fourth recruit from Ligue 1 of the transfer window, with Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko also on his way.

The youngster joins a club currently sitting in 16th place in the Premier League, but he insists that he had no hesitations in making the move to the St. James' Park outfit.

"It was the desire of the club to sign me up which was the most important factor," Haidara told the club's official 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."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was delighted with his new recruit, saying, "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."