Haidara deal done (From Western Telegraph)

Haidara deal done

6:30pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Newcastle have completed the signing of left-back Massadio Haidara from Nancy, the Barclays Premier League club have confirmed.

Haidara moves for an undisclosed fee after signing a five-and-a-half year contract.

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

Haidara added: "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."