Henri Saivet admits Newcastle United's French contingent convinced him about the move.

Saivet made a winning debut against West Ham on Saturday.

He said: “I played with Gabby Obertan and we did about three or four years together; we have stayed quite close since.

“I spent three or four seasons with Yoan Gouffran as well at Bordeaux.

“I did speak to them (before signing) and they only ever said good things about Newcastle as a club.

“I also played with a few of the other French players for the France Under-21s - it was good to get their opinions (on the club and the Premier League) as well."