Soccer:Tottenham have signed Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong and the French midfielder said he has no regrets about his time spent with the northeast club.

The 23-year-old, who can play at left back and centre half, joins a Spurs team depleted by injuries to central defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson while long-suffering club captain Ledley King is also doubtful to start the season.

The former France under-21 international, who signed for fee starting at £8million (€9.3m), is serving a two-match ban held over from last season and cannot play in Tottenham's opening league game at home to Liverpool.

Bassong moved to Newcastle in July 2008 from Ligue 1 side Metz where he played for three seasons. He made 34 appearances for Newcastle last term but despite being the northeast club's Player of the Year could not stop them being relegated.

Chris Hughton is still caretaker manager at St James’ Park as the Magpies prepare to start a Coca-Cola Championship campaign with the club up for sale.

“It has been an interesting year and I learned a lot at Newcastle,” said Bassong, who arrived from Metz a year ago.

“I’m really happy to have played for Newcastle but had to move to improve myself and make a step forward in my career. I’m sure Spurs will be a good thing for me.

“I’m very, very happy to be here at Spurs. There is a smile on my face.”

Bassong revealed he heard about the move “weeks before” it was finalised, adding: “I really wanted to come to Spurs and it was just details that needed to be sorted out.

“Spurs are a famous team in Europe and the world, everyone knows the players here. The manager is famous with a good reputation, that is why I didn’t hesitate to come here.”

Bassong, who is also eligible to play for Cameroon, is relishing the competition at White Hart Lane.

“That was the first morning he’s played since the end of last season,” said Harry Redknapp.

The Spurs manager will have four centre-backs to choose from when all are fit.

“Every player needs competition to go forward,” added Bassong. “That is what I need, without it I wouldn’t feel good, so I am ready for it and it is positive for the team to go forward.

“I know there are a lot of experienced players here and hopefully I can learn from them.