Bassong boost for Redknapp as Spurs star is left out of Cameroon squad

Staying at the Lane: Defender BassongTottenham manager Harry Redknapp has received a major boost with the news that Sebastien Bassong will not be going to the Africa Cup of Nations. With Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate struggling with long-term injuries, Bassong is one of only two fit central defenders for Spurs, along with Michael Dawson. Bassong's omission means Benoit Assou-Ekotto is the only Spurs player who will be in Cameroon's squad, along with Arsenal's Alex Song, Burnley's Andre Bikey, Newcastle midfielder Geremi and Landry Nguemo of Celtic.Gareth Bale is set for a run in the Spurs team when Assou-Ekotto heads for the tournament in Angola.Meanwhile, Spurs slammed reports linking Dawson with a move to Sunderland. Steve Bruce is desperate to strengthen his defence and it was reported that the Sunderland boss has tabled an £8million bid for the 26-year-old.A Tottenham spokesperson said: 'There is absolutely no chance we will be selling Michael Dawson. He is on a long-term contract and part of our plans.'West Ham's Matthew Upson has been linked with a move across London to White Hart Lane but Redknapp has been told he has to sell before he buys. Gareth Bale poised for Spurs chance as Benoit Assou-Ekotto heads for Africa Cup of NationsBruce makes £8m bid to take Spurs defender Dawson to SunderlandParty is over as Redknapp demands his Spurs players pay £20,000 a manKeane on the way as Spurs look for swap with Celtic keeper BorucTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC

Source: Daily_Mail