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Tottenham Hotspur are primed to complete the signing of
Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong, according to reports
emanating from Tyneside.
The French centre-half. whose performances were a rare highlight
in an abject 2008/09 campaign, was Newcastle's player of the season
and remains a firm fans favourite.
The 22-year-old's success was highlighted particularly by
Fabricio Coloccini's ineffective season, with the Argentine
international having arrived at St James' Park for over 20 times
the £500,000 fee that the Magpies paid Metz for the defender.
Having been linked with a number of Premier League clubs,
particularly Tottenham and Arsenal, it appears to be Harry
Redknapp's side that have stolen a march on their North London
rivals.
According to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, Bassong
has held talks with two Premier League clubs but it is believed
that Tottenham are the only club willing to match Newcastle's
asking price.
The Toon are believed to be demanding in the region of £15
million for Bassong's services, which is thought to be too steep
for Arsenal and North East rivals Sunderland.