Lille's Mathieu Debuchy, Montpellier's Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Massadio Haidara from Nancy, Toulouse's Moussa Sissoko and Bordeaux's Yoann Gouffran all made the move to the north east of England.
Striker Matt Moussilou wasted a glorious opportunity to seal a famous victory for Lille after 70 minutes when he headed Debuchy's cross wide of an open goal from close range.