Bassong quits Newcastle for Spurs

Tottenham have completed the signing of Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong.

The 23-year-old centre-back passed a medical on Thursday after agreeing personal terms, with the transfer believed to be worth about £8m.

Spurs were keen to bring in a defender as Michael Dawson is sidelined for the start of the season, while Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are doubtful.

Bassong is banned for the first match in August after being sent off in the Magpies' penultimate game last season.

After joining Newcastle from French club Metz in July 2008, Bassong could not prevent the Magpies being relegated to the Championship, though he was one of the few players at the club to emerge with credit from a disastrous season.

"I like him very much. He is young with a good future," said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, talking before the deal was finalised.

Tottenham start their Premier League campaign with a home match against Liverpool on 16 August before a game at Hull three days later.

Dawson is out with an Achilles injury, while Woodgate is struggling with a groin problem and King has long-standing issues with his knees.

"You have to keep strengthening the squad if you can and moving forward," added Redknapp.

"Jonathan has got an injury and Michael Dawson, who did terrific for us last season, is also injured and he is going to miss the start of the season.

"We are relying on Ledley. He is our only recognised centre-half and he has not trained as usual. Wednesday was the first day out training with us since last season so we'll wait and see."

Newcastle, still without a full-time manager, kick-off their Championship campaign against West Brom on Saturday.