Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Kinnear expects Given to go

28 Jan 2009 - 15:25:23

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Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has admitted that he would not be surprised if Shay Given left St James' Park before the transfer window closes.

Manchester City have been linked with the 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has spent more than a decade on Tyneside.

Kinnear now seems resigned to losing one of his prized assets though, telling the Chronicle: "I've bent over backwards to keep Shay and I've told the powers-that-be that he's got to stay.

"But I understand it from Shay's point of view. He's done 11 years here at Newcastle and I think he wants a new challenge.

"It's out of my hands and I'm still waiting for the final outcome. But I think he wants a new challenge and that he wants to speak to Manchester City.

"I'd be heartbroken to see him go, because he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world. But Man City keep banging on the door to talk to him."

Given has made more than 350 Premier League appearances for the Magpies since moving to the north-east from Blackburn Rovers in May 1997.