Harry Redknapp is expecting big things from Sebastien Bassong at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Londoners have paid £8million to take the defender from Newcastle United, and the player arrives with a reputation as a sure-fire Premier League star in the making.

"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," Redknapp said.

"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 was the first person we went for. He's a young player with a fantastic future."