Bassong sale must not mimic Given departure

Newcastle United must be wary of not being played in the transfer market in terms of low bids for their star performers.

Fans will remember a memorable January 2009 transfer window when Manchester City completed a baffling £6 million move for former Magpie Shay Given, even though Newcastle United valued the player at £10 million.

In contrast, City have spent £18 million on Roque Santa Cruz, and £12 million on Gareth Barry in the last month. Additionally, they spent lavish sums on Robinho, Wayne Bridge, and Nigel de Jong, while sandbagging the Toon in the Given deal.

Newcastle United pay excessive fees, and never receive even what is justified, which, must stop.

Following the club's relegation from the English Premier League, almost 15 first-teamers are set to leave.

The prized asset among them is Frenchman Sebastien Bassong, signed from Metz last summer, who has established himself as one of the most promising defenders in Europe.

Alan Shearer was said to have slapped a £15 million price-tag on the 22-year-old, but reports now indicate that Mike Ashley would be willing to accept as low as £6 million for the player.

It also appears that if Shearer is not appointed, the club may, under Ashley, sell Bassong for the low fee, and not even bid for a replacement.

The sale of the club is understood to be nearing, and may be completed by the first week of next month, but if any bids are receieved before then, fans will hope and pray Mike Ashley does not accept it.

£12 million should be the cut-off point for the Bassong sale. Anything less, and the bidders can look elsewhere.

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