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Tottenham are desperate to complete the signing of Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong before the start of the season.
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.
Reader views (9)
Wow Captain Moron - Mike England was the best center back Tottenham ever had! Mind you we have had few hopeless ones such as Keith Osgood, John Lacy & Willie Young to name, but three. However, Im certain most fellow Tottenham fans would put the likes of Ledley King & Sol Campbell way above Mike England in terms of ability. In respect of my age if I know Mike England or should that be Mike Wales? Im not as young as you imagine & I would struggle to think of a top class defender having been relegated in a team conceeding 59 goals in 38 matches. Mark Essex - If im such a bore than why do so many people bother to comment. Incidentally, I think you should have guessed by now that it is Rob Gooner who copies me, not the other way round.
- Rob Hotspurs, South London
Rob Hotspur (or should I say Rob Gooner) is a total bore. My guess he's only been to the Abu Dhabi stadium a couple of times. Modulators - can you please ensure this guy posts on Woolwich topics only.
- Mark, Essex
Hey Capt Black
But these relegated sides seem to want alot of money for their wannaway stars...Im sure he will be good, Harry should of gone for him awhile ago..
- Adrian, london
Why is it that any player AW shows an interest in Spurs and their dodgy Manager rush in to put a bid on the same player..is it that they secretly admire/trust AW's judgement?? i think so....lol
- Cortez Garvey, Norbury, England
Adrian you have been bleating on & on that we need defenders!
As soon as we are RUMOUR to be linked with one, You change your bleating to "we need taller players" He is 6ft2" is that short in your book?
So many plastic supporters.
- Jamie, essex
How old are you, Rob? Not that old, I suspect. If so, you will not know that the very best CB Tottenham ever had was bought from a relegated team - Blackburn. The player was Mike England and I'm absolutely certain no Spurs supporter who saw him play would have said what you have even before he arrived. I'm not saying Bassong is good, bad or indifferent - just that it simply does not follow that a player of a relegated side is implicitly a poor player. I'm sure he, personally,did not concede all of 59 goals, did he?
- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England
Yeah Rob, i totally agree with buying player who has a bad discipline record, played for a relegated club..
Problem is Harry should of bought a defender instead wasting 9 million quid on a 29 year old has been...
Priorities, also we need taller players, as half of our squad are short, thats why we concede set play goals..
Come harry get a big player, we need a big money signing.
- Adrian, london
Ooh, you just see what you'll get back now, Rob.
- Stu, Beckton
Why??? He is a very ordinary player, who got sent off twice, whilst conceeding 59 Premiership goals & getting relegated with Newcastle. Am I missing something? Surely we should re-sign Kaboul in keeping with our policy of purchasing ex-Tottenham players. Its baffling....
- Rob Hotspurs, South London
