Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is on the verge of capturing defenders Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massadio Haidara from French clubs Montpellier and Nancy respectively. Yanga-Mbiwa told Montpellier's official website: "This (England) is a country where everybody loves football and I really want to experience this culture. It is one of the things you want to discover as a player.
"I feel I have given everything to the maximum while at Montpellier. They have been like my second family and have given me everything. There were hard times and good times but there is a very strong bond that unites us."
Meanwhile Nancy confirmed that an agreement had been reached for Haidara's sale.
A statement on Nancy's official website said: "After 46 games and two-and-a-half years in the Nancy shirt, Massadio Haidara is leaving for Newcastle United, currently 16th in the Premier League.
"The two clubs have reached an agreement and will finalise the transfer on Tuesday."
