London, Aug 7 (DPA) Tottenham Hotspur have boosted their defensive ranks with the signing of Sebastien Bassong from Newcastle.

The highly-rated, 23-year-old centre-back passed a medical exam after the two clubs agreed Thursday to a deal believed to be in the region of 8 million pounds.

Bassong will give Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp an extra option, especially because Michael Dawson will miss the start of the season and Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both have injury worries.

Bassong will miss the first two matches as he is still serving a ban, having been sent off in the final game of last season.

'I like him very much,' Redknapp said. 'He is young with a good future.'