England

Tottenham Hotspur Head Chase For Newcastle United Defender Bassong - Reports

The Toon's star defender seems set for a move, with Spurs heading the list of suitors...

Jun 25, 2009 2:07:22 PM

Sebastien Bassong - Newcastle United (PA)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Sebastien Bassong - Newcastle United (PA)

Teams

Players

Sébastien Bassong

Tottenham Hotspur are in pole position to complete the signing of Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong, according to reports on Tyneside today.

The French centre-back was almost the sole highlight of Newcastle's disastrous Premier League campaign which eventually ended in relegation.

The 22-year-old signed for the Magpies for just £500,000 last summer and won the player of the season award at the Tyneside club, becoming a fans' favourite in the process.

His success was particularly highlighted as £10 million-man Fabricio Coloccini struggled to assert his presence in the Newcastle defence.

Bassong has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs but reports in The Newcastle Evening Chronicle suggest Tottenham are the current front-runners.

Whilst Bassong has admitted he has held talks with two Premier League clubs it is believed Tottenham are the only club willing to match the Magpies' asking price.

Reports suggest that Alan Shearer informed club officials to demand £15m for the Frenchman, a price tag that has turned away Arsenal and is unrealistic for North East rivals Sunderland.

However Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is apparently willing to meet the price, but may try to negotiate a part-exchange deal involving one or two fringe players at White Hart Lane.

David Kifford, Goal.com