Manchester City are on the brink of signing Newcastle United keeper Shay Given after it was revealed that the player has been left out of Joe Kinnear's squad to face City this evening. The Republic of Ireland international has been strongly linked with a move to Eastlands ever since the January transfer window opened nearly four weeks ago and it would appear that City are now very close to signing Given.It is thought that City will have to cough up at least £14 million to have any chance of landing the 32-year old, however as we have all seen, money isn't a problem for City nowadays. Earlier today Magpies boss Kinnear had this to say on the matter : "I have bent over backwards to keep him - I've tried to make him stay,"
"He wants a new challenge and he wants to speak to Manchester City." Given has spent nearly twelve years at St James' Park, becoming a legend amongst Newcastle fans. The former Celtic youth keeper has made over 450 appearances for Newcastle and there is no doubt he will be sadly missed on Tyneside.
As a City fan myself, I must admit I would be over the moon to see Given come to the club. He is without doubt one of the best Premier League keepers of all-time and I think he would be a cracking signing for Mark Hughes. Should Given join City, it will surely see Newcastle enter the market for a new keeper because, with all due respect, Steve Harper isn't great.
