NEWCASTLE, England (AP):

Midfielder Moussa Sissoko has joined Newcastle, becoming the fourth French player signed by the English Premier League club during the transfer window.

The 23-year-old Sissoko had six months left on his Toulouse contract and the French club sold him for an undisclosed fee, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the summer. Toulouse announced the transfer on its website yesterday, without giving details, but reports said Newcastle paid US$3.3 million.

The central midfielder has made six international appearances for France and impressed as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Spain in October.

Centre half Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, right back Mathieu Debuchy and forward Yoan Gouffran also recently joined Newcastle, who now have 10 French players in their squad.