Bassong: 'I want to leave for my career and my future'

[Carlito]

Because when you're one of the first to come out and say you want to leave a club who gave you a chance it comes across as if he's saying thanks for doing me a favour but you're on your own if you go down, there's no way I'm playing in that league. It's kind of similar to Chimbonda's attitude with Wigan in a way, minus the relegation of course.

 

He definately deserves a better contract as he's no doubt earned that over the season however.

[Skirge]

Magpies could lose two key defenders

 

Jun 25 2009  by Mark Douglas, The Journal

 

ARSENAL and West Ham United are ready to test Newcastle United’s resolve to keep first-choice defensive pairing Sébastien Bassong and Steven Taylor by formalising their interest in the duo imminently.

 

Hopes are rising that the uncertainty which has surrounded the club’s future since relegation to the Championship will lift in the next few days – with “decisive” movement expected on the unresolved ownership and management issues before the start of pre-season training next week. Both serious bidders favour Alan Shearer’s claims to be manager which should pave the way for his belated appointment – but his first task will be to ward off interest in Bassong and Taylor.

 

West Ham, who have former Newcastle number two Steve Clarke on their coaching staff, are at the head of a clutch of clubs interested in Taylor, while Arsenal are keen on Frenchman Bassong.

 

Provided Shearer becomes manager and offers certain reassurances to Taylor, Newcastle have a good chance of retaining the services of their influential homegrown defender, who has told friends he has no desire to leave the club.

 

But any further delay in appointing a new manager and United must brace themselves for the imminent departure of the 23-year-old, who will be aware that the constant upheaval at the club over the last three years has damaged his career.

 

Bassong’s future is far less clear-cut, however, and The Journal understands that the defender has been flattered by interest from compatriot Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.

 

The former Metz man has seen his stock rise sharply since joining United as a relative unknown last season.

 

And, while he feels a sense of gratitude to the club for handing him his break in English football, he is ambitious and is reluctant to play a season in the second tier. He has already publicly courted a move away from St James’s Park and Shearer will face a serious test of his powers of persuasion if he wants to keep the newly-capped Cameroon defender.

 

 

may have already signed Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax but they are on the look-out for more defensive reinforcements.

 

Bolton defender Gary Cahill, who ironically would have been a Shearer target had he managed to keep United in the Premier League, is another player courted by Wenger – but Bassong’s name is understood to feature prominently.

 

Shearer is fully aware that, due to the

 

delay in his appointment, there will be plenty of fire-fighting to do when he finally gets his feet under the desk at St James’s.

 

As well as reassuring Bassong (right) and Taylor that they have pivotal parts to play in United’s promotion bid, he also has plenty of work to do to convince Habib Beye to sign up for a season in the second tier.

 

But it is shifting a raft of high earners who under-performed last year that is his priority. The United boss has prepared a list of players he would be willing to sell as part of an overhaul of the squad – and the names run into double figures.

 

Meanwhile, Stoke have emerged as the latest club to offer Michael Owen guaranteed top-flight football next season. Owen confirmed this week that he will leave United at the end of the season, but so far the only clubs to declare an interest are Hull and Stoke – neither of whom were sent the brochure prepared by his agents to try to help him secure a move.

 

Undeterred, Potters boss Tony Pulis has serious interest in signing the striker.

 

“You never say never in football, so of course I would be interested in throwing my hat into the ring if it was ever viable,” he said.

 

“I’m not sure whether Michael would want to come here right now, but that situation could always change for him.

 

“He would be a great signing for this football club, and he can rest assured our fans would treat him as one of their own.”

http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2009/06/25/magpies-could-lose-two-key-defenders-61634-23970262/

[ToonTastic]

The Journal surmising again as usual.

[Guest]

"First choice defensive pairing".

 

They partnered each other at centre-back 4 times.

[KaKa]

All I'm concerned about right now is tying up Shearer as manager. I believe he will be able to attract good players to the club so not too worried about who leaves tbh.

 

[SEMTEX]

Why the hell did he accept a call-up to the Cameroon squad?

[KaKa]

Why the hell did he accept a call-up to the Cameroon squad?

 

Um ... because he is from Cameroun?

[SEMTEX]

Why the hell did he accept a call-up to the Cameroon squad?

 

Um ... because he is from Cameroun?

 

Paris, Cameroon?

[Guest]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

[SEMTEX]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

 

Seems so.

 

Just a bit rubbish that he went with 'easier'.

 

Plus a future of missed-Januarys due to the stupid fucking African Nations Cup.

[LooneyToonArmy]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

 

Seems so.

 

Just a bit rubbish that he went with 'easier'.

 

Plus a future of missed-Januarys due to the stupid f***ing African Nations Cup.

 

I don`t think playing in the Championship would affect his chances of playing in the Cameroon team at all. Judging from their squads for the world cups, ,african nations cup in the past,  plenty of their players were called up despite playing for 2nd division French/German sides, Belgian league and obscure leagues like the Israeli leagues etc.

[Wallace]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2009/06/25/tottenham-lead-chase-for-sebastien-bassong-72703-23973159/

 

Tottenham lead chase for Sebastien Bassong

Jun 25 2009 by Neil Farrington, Evening Chronicle

 

TOTTENHAM are out in front in the chase for wantaway Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong.

 

Several clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and local rivals Sunderland, have been linked with the 22-year-old Frenchman, who is desperate to stay in the Premier League.

 

And Bassong himself has claimed to have held talks with two top-flight teams.

 

But, while admitting other clubs are tracking his situation, people in Bassong’s camp have told the Chronicle that Spurs are the only would-be buyers to have expressed a firm interest in doing a deal with Newcastle at the price they want.

 

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp sees central defence as the area of his squad now most in need of strengthening, with the fitness of first-choice duo Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate an almost constant concern.

 

But Newcastle’s manager-in-waiting Alan Shearer has advised United’s top brass to demand up to £15m for Bassong, who cost the Magpies just one-tenth that much when he arrived from Metz last summer.

 

That valuation may already have put off Arsenal and would be deemed unrealistic by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, but Spurs’ interest persists.

 

Even so, Redknapp may yet try to tempt Newcastle into a part-exchange deal involving one or two of his fringe players.

 

“We’re waiting to hear back from a couple of other clubs regarding Seb, but Tottenham are definitely keen,” said a source close to Bassong.

 

“It’s still early days, but we do expect things to be resolved quite quickly once teams report back for pre-season.”

 

Meanwhile, Peter Lovenkrands is the latest Newcastle player to be linked with Sunderland.

 

Talk of the Black Cats landing the not-so-great Dane – whose short-term contract with United expires next week – comes after Lovenkrands’ agent confirmed he is trying to fix him up with a Premier League club.

 

Another player who sees his future in the top flight, Michael Owen, can now add Stoke City to his illustrious list of English suitors, although Turkish giants Galatasaray are also on his trail

 

[SEMTEX]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

 

Seems so.

 

Just a bit rubbish that he went with 'easier'.

 

Plus a future of missed-Januarys due to the stupid f***ing African Nations Cup.

 

I don`t think playing in the Championship would affect his chances of playing in the Cameroon team at all. Judging from their squads for the world cups, ,african nations cup in the past,  plenty of their players were called up despite playing for 2nd division French/German sides, Belgian league and obscure leagues like the Israeli leagues etc.

 

erm.. okay

 

[Frazzle]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

 

Seems so.

 

Just a bit rubbish that he went with 'easier'.

 

Plus a future of missed-Januarys due to the stupid f***ing African Nations Cup.

 

Both his parents are Cameroonian(?) he was only born in France, if I was in the same situation I'd want to play for Cameroon.

 

Not saying this is the reason, just that its not black and white.

[SEMTEX]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

 

Seems so.

 

Just a bit rubbish that he went with 'easier'.

 

Plus a future of missed-Januarys due to the stupid f***ing African Nations Cup.

 

Both his parents are Cameroonian(?) he was only born in France, if I was in the same situation I'd want to play for Cameroon.

 

Not saying this is the reason, just that its not black and white.

 

I like it.

 

Anyway, I think I'd probably want to play for the country I was born in, but each to their own. Or perhaps if they were diabolical at footy, I'd play for my Parent's nation. So basically the complete opposite of Bassong's decision. I'm sure he has his reasons though.

 

It's just alot more annoying to have an African player on the books than to have a European/Asian/American etc on the books.

[themanupstairs]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

 

Seems so.

 

Just a bit rubbish that he went with 'easier'.

 

Plus a future of missed-Januarys due to the stupid f***ing African Nations Cup.

 

Both his parents are Cameroonian(?) he was only born in France, if I was in the same situation I'd want to play for Cameroon.

 

Not saying this is the reason, just that its not black and white.

 

I like it.

 

Anyway, I think I'd probably want to play for the country I was born in, but each to their own. Or perhaps if they were diabolical at footy, I'd play for my Parent's nation. So basically the complete opposite of Bassong's decision. I'm sure he has his reasons though.

 

It's just alot more annoying to have an African player on the books than to have a European/Asian/American etc on the books.

 

racialist!!  :omg:

[Frazzle]

Easier chance of playing in next summer's World Cup?

 

Seems so.

 

Just a bit rubbish that he went with 'easier'.

 

Plus a future of missed-Januarys due to the stupid f***ing African Nations Cup.

 

Both his parents are Cameroonian(?) he was only born in France, if I was in the same situation I'd want to play for Cameroon.

 

Not saying this is the reason, just that its not black and white.

 

I like it.

 

Anyway, I think I'd probably want to play for the country I was born in, but each to their own. Or perhaps if they were diabolical at footy, I'd play for my Parent's nation. So basically the complete opposite of Bassong's decision. I'm sure he has his reasons though.

 

It's just alot more annoying to have an African player on the books than to have a European/Asian/American etc on the books.

 

racialist!!  :omg:

 

 

What's that boy?  They're letting the blacks vote now?

 

 

 

[Ayerso]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2009/06/25/tottenham-lead-chase-for-sebastien-bassong-72703-23973159/

 

That valuation may already have put off Arsenal and would be deemed unrealistic by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, but Spurs interest persists.

 

Even so, Redknapp may yet try to tempt Newcastle into a part-exchange deal involving one or two of his fringe players.

 

 

Who would you be willing to take from Spurs in exchange?

[Colos Short and Curlies]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2009/06/25/tottenham-lead-chase-for-sebastien-bassong-72703-23973159/

 

That valuation may already have put off Arsenal and would be deemed unrealistic by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, but Spurs interest persists.

 

Even so, Redknapp may yet try to tempt Newcastle into a part-exchange deal involving one or two of his fringe players.

 

 

Who would you be willing to take from Spurs in exchange?

 

Darren Bent, straight swap

[Ketsbaia]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2009/06/25/tottenham-lead-chase-for-sebastien-bassong-72703-23973159/

 

That valuation may already have put off Arsenal and would be deemed unrealistic by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, but Spurs’ interest persists.

 

Even so, Redknapp may yet try to tempt Newcastle into a part-exchange deal involving one or two of his fringe players.

 

 

Who would you be willing to take from Spurs in exchange?

 

Gunter and Dos Santos

[Guest geordienorway]

Seba to say no to Spurs

Jun 28 2009 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

 

SEBASTIEN BASSONG has broken off talks with Tottenham after they failed to meet his wage demands.

 

And the Sunday Sun can reveal that the Frenchman could yet commit his future to Newcastle if the appointment of Alan Shearer as manager is confirmed soon.

 

Bassong, United’s best player last season, had declared his intent to stay in the Premier League following the Magpies’ relegation.

 

But while Tottenham were the top-flight club showing strongest interest, the 22-year-old has been disappointed by the salary being proposed at White Hart Lane.

 

“The numbers being talked about were well out of proportion with what Sebastien is worth,” said a source close to Bassong.

 

“He wouldn’t be looking for fortunes, just the going rate for a player who proved himself in a relegated team last season.”

 

Arsenal and Manchester City have also been linked with Bassong, who was signed by Kevin Keegan for a bargain £1.5m from Metz last summer.

 

But with Shearer hopeful that a conclusion to Newcastle’s ownership saga – and confirmation of his full-time appointment – is imminent, Bassong may well remain at St James’s Park.

 

While Shearer is likely to be offered the manager’s job by any new owner, part of the reason he is supportive of Freddy Shepherd’s takeover bid is because the former United chairman will go all out to keep Bassong in Toon with a new, much-improved contract.

 

Shepherd is also committed to trying to keep Habib Beye and Steven Taylor on Tyneside.

 

But although Keith Harris, the man in charge of finding a buyer for United, is in America talking to an interested party, no major development on the takeover front is now expected until the middle of the coming week.

 

[LoveItIfWeBeatU]

While Shearer is likely to be offered the manager’s job by any new owner, part of the reason he is supportive of Freddy Shepherd’s takeover bid is because the former United chairman will go all out to keep Bassong in Toon with a new, much-improved contract.

Isn't that one of the reasons the club is in the state it is now? Shepherd going all out with the contract offers landed us with Owen, Luque, etc.

[Guest ObaStar]

With Bassong, we should really just refuse any transfer request. He might throw a few tantrums but once the season starts, he will play with 100 percent commitment as he will want to show off to other clubs. Hes on nothing in wage terms, I heard 5 k a week. If he stays we have a better chance of being promoted and if we are he will want to stay with us so. Its stupid to sell your best defender and one who actually fits the Championship wage bill. Where could we possibly get a replacement for him for a reasonable price now? We cant

[Fatwax]

While Shearer is likely to be offered the manager’s job by any new owner, part of the reason he is supportive of Freddy Shepherd’s takeover bid is because the former United chairman will go all out to keep Bassong in Toon with a new, much-improved contract.

Isn't that one of the reasons the club is in the state it is now? Shepherd going all out with the contract offers landed us with Owen, Luque, etc.

 

Not really the same. If Owen and Luque had played like players deserving of their transfer fee/wage demands then both would have been worthwhile signings. It wasn't the amount necessarily being spent, but what on that was the problem. An improved and extended contract for Bassong could be a decent bit of business since we all know of his quality and potential.

[LoveItIfWeBeatU]

While Shearer is likely to be offered the manager’s job by any new owner, part of the reason he is supportive of Freddy Shepherd’s takeover bid is because the former United chairman will go all out to keep Bassong in Toon with a new, much-improved contract.

Isn't that one of the reasons the club is in the state it is now? Shepherd going all out with the contract offers landed us with Owen, Luque, etc.

 

Not really the same. If Owen and Luque had played like players deserving of their transfer fee/wage demands then both would have been worthwhile signings. It wasn't the amount necessarily being spent, but what on that was the problem. An improved and extended contract for Bassong could be a decent bit of business since we all know of his quality and potential.

Yes, I agree we should try to keep Bassong but are we really going to offer him Premiership wages when we are in the Championship? The mess the club is in at the moment it's not exactly nailed on that we will be back in the Premiership in a season.