Troubled United may lose Sebastien Bassong
Jun 10 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
“There are three or four interested parties who we are talking to but these aren't one of them.” It is an uncertain situation and that has not escaped the attention of Premier League clubs keen to prise Bassong from Newcastle’s clutches.
While Shearer, if given the job, would make retaining Bassong one of his key priorities, he is helpless to stop United selling the former Metz man if Arsenal and Tottenham meet the asking price of around £12million.
Talk of a bid from either North London club for the graduate of the famous Clairefontaine Youth Academy was rife at the Toulon tournament last week, where most of the Premier League clubs had sent scouts and recruitment personnel. The ambitious Bassong has been ambiguous on whether he wants to stay at Newcastle now they are in the Championship, but the appointment of Shearer would influence his thinking.
The decision may be taken out of his hands if an eight figure bid is submitted for Bassong in the next few weeks.
Although Mike Ashley is aware of Bassong’s importance to the squad, the club are not in a position where they can turn down decent bids for any players.
However, talk from Ireland of Wolves’ interest in Damien Duff is wholly inaccurate.
Reports last night had claimed Duff had been identified by Mick McCarthy for the Black Country club’s first season back in the Premier League – but The Journal understands there is no chance of him ending up at Molineux.
Duff would be one of the players that Shearer would like to keep, finances permitting, if he was given the job. But that appointment appears as far away as ever and it is beginning to hit United’s chances of recruiting some of their top targets.
Leeds United forward Jermaine Beckford is a target if Shearer takes over and he is willing to hold on until Newcastle firm up their interest, but sources in West Yorkshire have indicated that the striker’s club will not be so patient.
Middlesbrough are another club interested in the forward and with Boro boss Gareth Southgate now back from holiday, they are in a better position to offer the League One club significant money for their star asset.
