Newcastle United FC

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Bassong refuses to be rushed

19 Mar 2009 - 09:12:46

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Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong will take his time before deciding whether to commit his long-term future to the club.

The 22-year-old has been one of the relegation-threatened Magpies' best players this season following his arrival on Tyneside last summer from Metz and has been linked with a switch to Arsenal.

Bassong is undecided about his future but has hinted that he may stay with Newcastle if they are still in the Premier League next term.

He said: "Newcastle's management want me to sign a contract extension, but nothing has been agreed.

"There has been talk of a lot of players leaving during the summer. It's not my responsibility, but I'll obviously follow the situation closely.

"It's down to me to weigh up the pros and cons and I will take my time to make up my mind. I've heard about Arsenal, but 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 and have lots more to learn.

"For the time being I can say I've made a good choice, though a lot of water has gone under the bridge since my trial last summer and I have earned my place in the first team."