Newcastle's French stars face fines for not learning English

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has insisted that he will fine his French players if they fail to grasp the English language.

The North-East outfit have acquired Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Yoan Gouffran and Massadio Haidara all from France in this month's transfer window.

"They have to learn English or they will face penalties and hopefully they will grasp it," the Daily Mail quotes Pardew as saying.

Meanwhile, the Magpies are due to take on Aston Villa this evening.