Harry Redknapp: "When we played Newcastle last year I spoke to Iain Dowie and Alan Shearer after the game and they spoke about the team, they were in desperate trouble.
"Iain said if they didn't stay at the club and one player did become available, Sebastien was the player to take. They couldn't have recommended him any higher.
"Alan as well. He said 'if I stay at the club there is no way he'll ever leave'. Alan didn't get the job and he (Bassong) was the first person we went for. He's a young player with a fantastic future."
Bassong: "When we went down it would be very difficult for me to stay at Newcastle.
"I made my choice. There was interest from other clubs but when I heard about Tottenham my choice was made.
"Tottenham have a good squad, manager and reputation and when we played Tottenham last season they made a good impression and I thought it was the club for me.
"We have the players and the squad to finish in the first part of the table, maybe sixth. We can fight to have a good season. I can't say first, four or fifth but I think we are going to do good things this season."