Redknapp confirms Bassong talks

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp confirmed on Thursday that his club are in talks with Newcastle about signing defender Sebastien Bassong.

Redknapp made an eight-million-pounds (13-million-dollars) bid for Bassong after learning that centre-backs Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King were all likely to miss the start of the season.

“I like him very much. He is young with a good future,” Redknapp said.

“The chairman (Daniel Levy) is talking. I don’t get involved on that side of it. I identify a player and the chairman does everything else.”

Bassong, 23, joined Newcastle from French club Metz in July 2008 and produced some impressive displays despite his club’s relegation.

However, if Bassong does sign for Spurs, he will miss the first two games of the season for his red card against Fulham last term.

Paris-born Bassong, who was calld up by Cameroon for the first time recently, is keen to leave Newcastle and admits a move to White Hart Lane would be ideal for his international prospects.

“Playing for Newcastle was a real honour in front of the supporters at St James’ Park,” he told the Evening Chronicle.

“But I have always said that I wanted to play in the Premier League and that wasn’t possible with Newcastle.

“It was not good for my career to be at a Championship club. I want to play in future World Cups and African Cup of Nations competitions with Cameroon.

“That is made more difficult if you are not playing at the higher level.”