Tottenham are to tempt Stoke City with an offer of cash plus Sebastien Bassong for captain Ryan Shawcross it is being reported today.

Spurs are looking to add some depth to their defence as Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate have both spent more time in the physio room than the pitch this season.

Bassong has found playing time hard to come by and has admitted he is looking to leave White Hart Lane in order to secure first team football.

While Stoke boss Tony Pulis would be loathe to losing his captain, he is resigned to admit that he can’t keep hold of Shawcross much longer with the bigger teams sniffing around.

Harry Redknapp feels an offer of Bassong plus cash would be enough for persuade Pulis to part with Shawcross.