Norwich star looks to Premier League return with Newcastle
Published:Alan Pardew’s £60m overhaul of the Newcastle United playing squad could begin with a move for former fan favourite Sebastien Bassong, who is likely to be available this summer.
The 27-year-old was dropped for several of the Canaries’ key end-of-season games by manager Neil Adams despite being Norwich club captain under previous boss Chris Hughton.
And the Cameroon international now looks set to depart the club following relegation to the Championship, with Bassong eager to play at the top-level and maintain his place in the Indomitable Lions setup.
Back in 2009 a similar scenario played out at St James’ Park, with the Paris-born defender departing Tyneside for Tottenham following the club’s shock relegation.
And in a shock twist the former Metz star could now be set for a sensational return to the Magpies with Toon manager Alan Pardew eager to bolster his side’s defensive options over the summer.
Pardew had previously been under pressure at Newcastle but with club owner Mike Ashley set to back him with a significant transfer budget, a move for Bassong would make sense.
Having already fallen out with Adams – a respected figure behind the scenes at Carrow Road – and with Norwich no doubt keen to cut their wage bill a move to Newcastle is a definite possibility.
It’s unclear as to whether Bassong would be open to a move, but having excelled in his previous spell in the north east, winning Newcastle United’s Player of the Year Award for the 2008/09 campaign, the idea of a comeback could suit both parties.
And with the Cameroon star likely to be available at a decent price, it could be the first of many bargains for Newcastle, who previously sold the defender to Tottenham for a hefty £8m some five years ago.
In the meantime Newcastle are also likely to be on the lookout for another striker, with Loic Remy unlikely to make his move to the Magpies a permanent one.
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