Given moves closer to City switch
Shay Given has been at Newcastle since 1997
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Friday, 30, Jan 2009 10:38
Newcastle United have given Shay Given permission to talk to Manchester City.
The Magpies are holding out for about £8m after boss Joe Kinnear branded City's £5m offer "insulting".
The Republic of Ireland shot-stopper did not figure in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, with Kinnear citing injury for the reason the player was not in his squad.
City boss Mark Hughes said he was confident of landing the 32-year-old before the transfer window closes next week.
"We have put in a bid for Shay but we are still waiting for an update," Hughes said.
"I've said I'm looking to bring in an experienced keeper and he ticks the box in that respect. Whether or not the deal happens we'll have to wait and see."
Kinnear has insisted Given will only leave if Newcastle receive a higher fee.
"We think it's [City’s offer of £5 million] personally insulting to probably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League." the Irishman said.
"I don't want to lose him - I'm fighting a relegation battle, I want to keep every player and add to it, not lose it, but I really don't know."
Newcastle's second-choice keeper, Steve Harper, signed a new three-year deal with the club on Tuesday.