Tottenham have had a £10million bid for Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong turned down. The French star was one of the few Magpies players to impress last season, as the Toon were relegated. He stated at the end of the season that he wants to move back to the Premier League. Bassong only arrived at St James Park last summer from French club Metz for a undisclosed fee and Newcastle are in no hurry to sell.
The 23 year-old has also attracted interest from Everton and Manchester City. Big-spending City could turn their attention to Bassong if they fail to sign Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott. The Toffee’s are keen to keep the England international and have even told City they wouldn’t even sell the star for £30million.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is desperate for defensive cover with Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Michael Dawson all injury doubts for the start of the season. Redknapp has sent his scouts out to watch Bassong and they have came back with positive reports. Tottenham will now have to up their offer if they want to capture the former Metz centre-half.
Meanwhile Newcastle colleague Habib Beye’s move to Hull City looks to have hit a snag, with the Geordies demanding £4million for the Senegal international. The Hull boss Phil Brown values Beye at closer to the £2million mark and is unwilling to raise his bid beyond that figure, but Beye has now handed in a transfer request at St James Park. Aston Villa and Blackburn are also interested in signing the 31 year-old and it looks like he will get his wish of Premier League football next season.
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