Football Transfer Rumours: Shay Given may join City rivals Manchester United
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given is reported to have rejected offers from Arsenal FC, and instead is reported to join city rivals Manchester United. The Irish international is not happy at Manchester City due to limited playing
opportunities and has attracted interest from a number of clubs ahead of the transfer window in January. Given was rumoured to be linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, but now, he is set to turn down Arsenal in the hope of becoming Manchester United’s next
1st choice goalkeeper.
The Irish keeper joined Manchester City from Newcastle United in February of 2009, and has registered 60 appearances for the club. However, since Joe Hart’s return to The Blues at the start of this season, Shay has not been able
to register a single League start.
In a cross-town move that would shock the City faithful, Given is said to be holding out for a bid from the Red Devils, who are currently on the lookout for a replacement for Edwin Van der Sar. The veteran Dutch goalkeeper, who
entered his 40s last month, is expected to hang his boots at the end of this season, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson searching for a new no. 1.
Given, who had a decent last season in goal with Manchester City, is 34 years old and has at least 2 to 3 seasons left at the top level. The City goalkeeper has previously experienced successful spells with English Premier League
clubs Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking about Given’s situation, Roberto Mancini said, “I told him that he can stay but I respect his decision and if he wants to leave he can.”
Although Mancini has allowed him to make a move away from the City of Manchester Stadium, the Italian may be reluctant to approve a deal that would see the keeper join fierce rivals Manchester United.
Shay’s decision to move to Old Trafford may come as discouraging news for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who is also trying to recruit a world-class shot stopper in his ranks. Wenger is not happy with his current Polish goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski, who committed a horrendous error that led to Andrew Carroll’s winner at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
Shay’s decision to shun Arsenal may see the London club make a move for other top goalkeepers playing in the Premier League. The Gunners have already been linked with Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina and Fulham’s Aussie keeper Mark
Schwarzer.
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