Newcastle sign Yanga-Mbiwa and Gouffran

Newcastle United FC have completed the signings of Montpellier Hérault SC defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and FC Girondins de Bordeaux forward Yoan Gouffran for undisclosed fees.

Centre-back Yanga-Mbiwa, 23, will cost Newcastle a reported €8m after impressing since establishing himself in the Montpellier team in 2007. He went on to feature in 186 league games, helping the club to the 2011 French League Cup final and to their maiden Ligue 1 title last season. The French international has accepted a five-and-a-half-year contract with Alan Pardew's side.

"Newcastle held out their hand to me," said Yanga-Mbiwa. "It has always been a dream to come and play in England. First of all Newcastle really showed that they wanted me, which was obviously very important. Secondly, there were a lot of other French players here which is something which really helped me. Newcastle are a massive club and it's an honour to be here."

Gouffran, meanwhile, leaves Bordeaux after four and a half seasons in south-west France, during which he scored 31 goals in 140 top-flight appearances. "I am really proud to have joined this fantastic club," said Gouffran. "The challenge of playing for one of the most famous teams in England, with all its history and its famous support, is very exciting."

The arrivals of Yanga-Mbiwa and Gouffran swell the French contingent on Tyneside to nine, a group which includes international trio Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and January recruit Mathieu Debuchy.

The Magpies are 16th in the Premier League and are preparing to face FC Metalist Kharkiv in the UEFA Europa League round of 32.