Bassong Move All Paper Talk
By Tyne-Talk
March 19 2009
Today ‘The Sun' shouts from the newspaper stands with a headline, nothing more than sensationalism, "Bassong Set For Toon Exit." With interest from Arsenal and other high profile teams, the 22 year old defender has become a target for the media for not having yet signed a new contract at Newcastle United FC.
However as with much journalism, the content tells a different story. Bassong who is already contracted to Newcastle United until 2011 has been quoted saying any move would be down to him, as is the job of negotiating a contract extension. At no point does he say he is considering leaving the club in the near future, nor does he rule out remaining as a Toon player.
Bassong is quoted in The Sun saying;
"Newcastle want me to sign a contract extension but nothing has yet been agreed.
It's down to me to weigh up the pros and the cons. I'll take time to make up my mind.
I heard people talk about Arsenal being interested in me. I'm not too bothered about whether it is fact or fiction.
I know that there must be something in it, even though this is not the time to talk about it.
I have stepped up a level since joining Newcastle but I am still serving my apprenticeship. I have lots more to learn.
A new life has begun for me here. I have signed a deal until 2011 and from a personal perspective I have nothing to complain about."
This story appears to be an extension to an article which went to print in the News Of The World (The Sun's sister paper) a week or so ago, which claimed the Frenchman is picking up just £5000 a week and would be open to offers from other clubs; a rumour which has taken hold in France with reports claiming Bassong's move to Arsenal is all but complete for a fee of £6M.
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It would stand to reason therefore that the club would do their upmost to extend Bassong's contract. However, if the likes of Arsenal come knocking I can't see our greedy fat @#$%& of an owner turning down any serious offers.
However, we have to avoid relegation first and foremost otherwise Newcastle won't be keeping Bassong, or anyone else for that matter.
this was to dispose of our past big buy spending on marquee players
if they did sell bassong it would be further lies and all thats been said would expose that they were looking to run newcastle on the cheap
or as many thought, they didnt want to spend money as they intended a quick sale of the club and profit
saying that if we could get big money, (which i doubt following the shocking handling of givens transfer), and it was reinvested into similar Bassong buys then i couldnt fault the board
but personally think bassong has settled well and is playing well and should be kept
ive also seen quotes in the journal from bassong that he would be interested in an arsenal move but is concentrating on nufc cause
I would hope, if we stayed up, we could price Arsenal out cause they dont like to pay much.
As for him i would not blame him if one of the top clubs came in for him, like when we sold Woodgate. The thing is I think he needs more time and games in the premiership and a move might not give them.
As for him being sold by the Ashley, I think the contract offer is a positive move. Lets hope he stays for a few years yet.
Failing that JFK could call him "Bra 'n' Thong" and he'll never play for us again, or whatever.