Newcastle announce Gouffran capture

Yoan Gouffran on Wednesday became Newcastle United's third French signing of the January transfer window after the Premier League club said he had joined the club on a four-and-a-half-year deal. The 26-year-old striker arrived from Bordeaux for an undisclosed fee, and joins Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who signed from Montpellier on Tuesday, and Mathieu Debuchy, who arrived from Lille earlier in the month. Newcastle are also thought to be close to completing a deal for Nancy's French left-back Massadio Haidara, who was reported to be undergoing a medical examination on Wednesday. Gouffran, a former France under-21 international, scored 40 goals in 179 appearances for Bordeaux, including a goal against his former club Caen that secured the 2008-09 Ligue 1 title. "I am really proud to have joined this fantastic club," he said. "Throughout the last few years I have enjoyed every moment of my time at Bordeaux, but all good things must come to an end and it was time for a new challenge. "And the challenge of playing for one of the most famous teams in England, with all of its history and its famous support, is very exciting." Newcastle manager Alan Pardew revealed that Gouffran had caught his eye when his side met Bordeaux in the Europa League earlier this season. "Yoan comes to the club with a great pedigree and, like the other signings we have made this month, is a player who will add considerable strength to our squad," he said. "I liked the look of him when we played Bordeaux at St James' Park earlier this season -- pacy, direct and intelligent, and those are qualities I like in a footballer. "I am sure he will quickly adapt to the rigours and intensity of the Premier League and play an important role for us for the remainder of the season." Despite having finished fifth in the Premier League last season, Newcastle have struggled to repeat their exploits in the current campaign and sit two points above the relegation zone with 15 games to play. From : AFP