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Given wants out of Magpies

Source: Agencies | January 3, 2009, Saturday | Print Edition

SHAY Given's 11-year stay at Newcastle looks set to end after his lawyer said the Ireland goalkeeper was unhappy with the way the Premier League club is being run.

The 32-year-old Given has played 459 matches for the Magpies - just 36 fewer than Jimmy Lawrence's club record - but has been the subject of interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham at a time when he appears unsettled by uncertainty over the club's ownership and its struggle to avoid relegation.

Mike Ashley, who is unpopular with fans following a dispute that resulted in September's departure of manager Kevin Keegan, took the club off the market last week after failing to find a buyer.

The team then lost 1-5 at home to title-chasing Liverpool, leaving it just two points above the relegation zone.

"It was the lowest point of his football career and a performance that he would not wish to be repeated," Michael Kennedy said in a statement released late on Thursday. "When he signed a new five-year contract in 2006 it was on the basis that the club would challenge for major honors, but on the present evidence all that he can see ahead with the turmoil on and off the pitch is a battle for survival.

"Having served the club loyally for over 11 years, Shay feels compelled to consider his position in the light of the interest being expressed in him by Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham."

Manchester City has money to spend from its rich Arab owners, Arsenal needs a challenger to Manuel Almunia, and Spurs could be interested following Heurelho Gomes' erratic performances this season.

Elsewhere, Wayne Bridge is free to leave but only at the right price, manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said yesterday.

The England left back, who has found it difficult to get starts with Ashley Cole selected ahead of him in the Chelsea lineup, has been given permission to talk to City, which is looking to snap up top quality players in the January transfer window.

"If they have a good deal, it's no problem for me," Scolari said. "If any club wants to buy a Chelsea player, offer big money. If you are playing for Chelsea it means you are a very good player and any club will need very good money - otherwise, finish. We all have a contract here."

Scolari said he had no plans to buy during the window, despite assertions last month that he needed a striker. "I have not said to (chief executive) Peter Kenyon that I need to buy. I have a good squad," he said.

Chelsea declined to reveal the size of City's offer for Bridge, who joined the club from Southampton in 2003 for about 7 million pounds (US$10.1 million). Newspapers have speculated he will cost between 10 and 12 million pounds.

Scolari said he had nothing to do with the mechanics of the deal.

"I do not know what is happening about money," he said. "I am a coach. Money is not my business. It's for the board and the owner."
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