Wednesday's football rumour mill
Shay Given looks to be on his way out St James' Park
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Manchester United booked their place in the final of the Carling Cup with a 4-2 win over Derby County at Old Trafford, meaning Sir Alex Ferguson's men progress 4-3 on aggregate. |  |
Wednesday, 21, Jan 2009 01:10
Newcastle United are prepared to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of one of their prized assets, despite rumours circulating that he wants to leave.
Highly-rated goalkeeper Shay Given hinted that he is becoming disillusioned with life on Tyneside, and already it is understood that Manchester City's opening bid of £5 million has been turned down by the Magpies.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be tracking the shot-stopper's availability.
Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has emerged as a £10 million target for Italian giants Juventus, who are keen to bolster their attacking options.
However, one player could be making the opposite move from Italy to England after Portsmouth declared their interest in former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, who currently plays for Inter Milan.
The holding midfielder would be the perfect replacement for French countryman Lassana Diarra, who departed for Real Madrid earlier this month.
And finally, Middlesbrough have agreed a £5 million fee with Crystal Palace for their talented young midfielder Ben Watson.