Bassong makes Spurs move - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Bassong makes Spurs move

Tottenham on Thursday night bolstered their defence with the signing of Sebastien Bassong from Newcastle.

The two clubs agreed a fee believed to be upwards of £8million, with the player penning a long-term contract at White Hart Lane.

A statement on www.tottenhamhotspur.com read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of Sebastien Bassong to the club, following the player successfully completing a medical examination and agreeing personal terms."

The 23-year-old is, however, suspended for the first two games of the new season following his sending-off against Fulham at the end of last term.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp had been keen to bring in reinforcements at the back, with Michael Dawson set to miss the start of the new season through injury and Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate also doubtful.

"Jonathan Woodgate is struggling and I think he may have to have an operation," Redknapp said earlier this week.

"I think he may have to have another hernia operation. He had one at the end of last season but obviously it has not worked so he may have to go back in again. I don't see (Michael Dawson) or Woody being fit for the start of the season."

Redknapp admitted his admiration of Bassong during his team's pre-season trip to China, saying: "I like Bassong, he is a young player with a good future and a good central defender."

The Frenchman, who is also qualified to play for Cameroon, moved to St James' Park in July 2008 from Metz and made 34 appearances for the Magpies in his debut campaign in England.

He becomes the fourth summer signing for Redknapp following the acquisitions of Peter Crouch from Portsmouth and Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker from Sheffield United.

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