Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa having Newcastle medical

Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has begun a medical examination ahead of his proposed move to Newcastle United.

Reports over the weekend suggested that the Magpies had agreed a fee with their French counterparts for the 23-year-old's signature.

That speculation has now been proved to be correct following the defender's arrival on Tyneside earlier today for a medical and discussions over personal terms.

It has been claimed that Yanga-Mbiwa could be joined at St James' Park by Nancy left-back Massadio Haidara, who is also said to have expressed an interest in signing for Alan Pardew's side.