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£15m defender stance from Toon
Newcastle United, 13:44, May 28, 2009 ,
Newcastle will demand £15m for Sebastian Bassong if they fail to persuade the defender to stay on, according to reports.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Spurs have all been linked with a swoop on St James' Park for the former Metz man who is on record saying he does not want to play in the Championship.
Speaking ahead of the Magpies' relegation from the Premier League, he admitted: "Everybody knows that I am an ambitious boy, and playing Championship football never crossed my mind.
"You have to have a plan for your career, and playing in the second division would be a step backward."
However, Alan Shearer - if he takes the job - is reportedly keen to build his defence around Bassong and would demand big money if the player insisted on leaving the club.