Spurs want Bassong before the big kick-off

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Spurs manager Harry Redknapp needs to strengthen the backline, with Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Michael Dawson all unlikely to be fit for the first few games because of injuries.

Bassong, who will have to serve a two-game ban which is carried over from last season, is Redknapp's main target and the Frenchman has already indicated that he wants to move to White Hart Lane.

But Newcastle are determined to raise as much money as possible for the 23-year-old, who joined for just £500,000 from Metz 12 months ago.

They are hoping Manchester City and Aston Villa will both firm up their interest to compete with Spurs for the defender's signature.

Tottenham are so far unwilling to pay the £10million asking price for Bassong, who impressed in his first season in English football last term, but Newcastle feel they can receive such a fee if there is a bidding war.

Their chances depend on whether City are successful in their pursuit of Everton's Joleon Lescott and Standard Sport understands the £20m transfer will go through this week.

Bassong's popularity on Tyneside is on the decline after he was fined two weeks' wages, around £12,000, for failing to turn up for the club's pre-season friendly against Dundee United on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Spurs have ended their interest in Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben after the Spanish club demanded 30m euros (£25.5m) for the former Chelsea star.

They are still monitoring Klass-Jan Huntelaar's situation at Madrid, who are desperate to sell players now that they have agreed to pay Liverpool £30m for Xabi Alonso.