Newcastle clinch deal for French defender Massadio Haidara

Fee agreed for French Under-21 international

Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Nancy defender Massadio Haidara according to the French club.

The 20-year-old full-back, who has appeared in 17 games in Ligue 1 this season, is now due to undergo a medical at St James' Park.

"After 46 games and two-and-a-half years in the Nancy shirt, Massadio Haidara is leaving his former club for Newcastle United, currently sixteenth in the Premier League," a statement on Nancy's website read.

"The two clubs have reached an agreement and will finalise the transfer on Tuesday."

Haidara, who has made two appearances for the France Under-21's, was also linked with Roma.

He said recently: "Newcastle do appeal to me, but everyone has to agree.

"I would be very happy to play there. My preference is England. It is the league which attracts me the most and would suit my game the best."

Haidara will join fellow Frenchman Mathieu Debuchy, who was signed earlier this month.