The Magpies have enjoyed some success in plucking players from Ligue 1 in recent seasons, with the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa becoming key players at St James' Park, but the French revolution on Tyneside kicked into a higher gear this week as four players from the country's top-flight joined the Toon.

Title-winning Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa started the influx as he arrived on Tuesday, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal at the club, although he was criticised by Montpellier supremo Luis Nicollin, who labelled the defender "an ass" for joining Alan Pardew's side.

A day later, Yoann Gouffran joined the Toon from Bordeaux, perhaps in an attempt to ease the pressure on Cisse, since Demba Ba's departure to Chelsea.

Pardew was not done there, however and sealed a deal for Nancy left-back Massadio Haidara on a long-term contract, with the 20-year-old hailing the club's "desire" upon his arrival.

Last but not least, Toulous midfielder Moussa Sissoko trumped all his new team-mates by securing a six-and-a-half-year deal at St James' Park.

A local pub named "The Strawberry" renamed itself La Fraise as the locals took to the news in good spirits, while officials spotted a commercial opportunity and put berets up for sale in the club shop.

Manager Pardew later claimed that he had been interested in a deal for England starlet Wilfried Zaha, but was delighted at being able to secure a quartet of signings for the same fee.