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City set to finally take Given
Newcastle United, 11:27, January 27, 2009 ,
Manchester City look set to complete the £10million signing of Newcastle keeper Shay Given after the two sides meet on Wednesday.
Reports on Sunday claiming that a deal was imminent appear to be correct as the Magpies' managing director Derek Llambias and boss Joe Kinnear were in talks with the 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international's representatives about his future on Tyneside.
And, despite claims that Newcastle are holding out for a deal which would include City midfielder Michael Johnson moving to St James' Park as part of the transfer, it now looks like the club will accept a figure which is close to their £10million asking price.
Given has already stressed that he would like to have a new challenge away from Tyneside after 13 years with the club so it would be worthwhile getting as much money as they can to fund any incomings.
The player's future will no doubt become clearer when Newcastle travel to Eastlands to face Manchester City on Wednesday evening as it is claimed Given's understudy, Steve Harper, will get the nod between the sticks, paving the way for the his departure on Thursday.
Kinnear has confirmed that Harper, along with midfielder Nicky Butt, is close to signing a new contract which suggests that he will now become the first-choice custodian.
He said: "The good news is that Nicky Butt and Steve Harper are both close to signing new contracts. I think they're virtually done.
"That's a step in the right direction and I'm delighted they are going to sign because they are two of our most experienced players."