Arsenal have told Newcastle they must pay £10million -
or goalkeeper Shay Given plus £7m - to sign Philippe Senderos. The
Gunners turned down Newcastle's opening bid of around £4m and have
set a high price for the Switzerland central defender in a bid to
steer Kevin Keegan's club away from a player whom manager Arsene
Wenger wants to keep.
But Wenger would be prepared to let Senderos go if his own
valuation is matched, especially in the event of Given being part
of the deal.
Despite Manuel Almunia's solid performances last season and the
potential of back-up goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, there remains a
feeling at the Emirates that the club have a weakness in that area
and Given, long admired by Wenger, would at least push Almunia for
his place and might unseat him. For their part, Newcastle would not
be too sorry to see Given go. The Republic of Ireland star, 32, is
one of their high earners but for much of last season was
injured.
Steve Harper proved a reliable deputy, albeit exposed by a
sloppy defence who conceded 65 Premier League goals, a total
exceeded only by relegated Reading and Derby.
Newcastle continue to talk to Deportivo La Coruna about
Argentine centre-half Fabricio Coloccini but will maintain their
interest in Senderos whatever the outcome of negotiations.
