GIVEN: Furious at the Toon's humiliating 5-1 defeat
against Liverpool
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has tabled an
£8million bid for Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given in an effort to
steal a march on rivals Tottenham.
Long-serving Republic of Ireland star Given, 32, was
outstanding in Sunday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat by Liverpool and
although Toon boss Joe Kinnear regards him as the best goalkeeper
in the Premier League, he desperately needs funds to strengthen his
injury-hit squad.
Kinnear has no idea how much money he will receive from owner Mike
Ashley to raid the January transfer market and a cash deal or a
swap involving Spurs defender Gareth Bale could tempt him to allow
Given to leave St James’ Park.
Kinnear has a ready-made and capable understudy in Steve Harper, or
he could make a move for Sheffield United’s Paddy Kenny, following
his bitter fall-out with manager Kevin Blackwell.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is also interested in Irishman
Kenny, who was dropped by Blackwell for turning up late for
training on Christmas Day.
Given is also less than happy, storming off the pitch after the
Liverpool game, and he could well decide he has had enough propping
up the Magpies defence for season after season.
Given moved to Tyneside 11 years ago from Blackburn and has played
over 400 games for Newcastle, but the offer of Champions League
football under Wenger could persuade him to make the switch to The
Emirates.
Given is aware of Arsenal’s interest as well as Spurs’ and although
he has been a loyal servant to the Magpies, he turns 33 in April
and may feel it is the right time to take what could be the last
big opportunity to come his way.
Wenger has been impressed by Given’s consistency and
professionalism and even though he shipped five goals against
Liverpool, his sterling efforts kept the league leaders from
doubling that tally and earned him special praise from Steven
Gerrard.