Newcastle United boss rules out move for Shay Given
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has ruled out a move to bring Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given back to St James’ Park.
The English Premier League outfit was reported to be looking at making a move for their former player after Newcastle’s first-choice keeper Steve Harper suffered a shoulder injury in the 1-0 over Everton this weekend.
Given is no longer the main man at Eastlands, as Roberto Mancini prefers Joe Hart as his main custodian. The City manager has revealed that the Republic of Ireland international will be allowed to leave the club when the transfer window reopens for business
in January.
Newcastle had been linked with a bid to bring Given back to the club where he spent almost 12 years on an emergency loan deal to cover for the absence of Harper, but Hughton said today that such an approach would not happen.
He told reporters that, "I can understand that one and it is a very emotional one as well, but no, I can categorically say that won't be happening."
Hughton added that the club’s priority now would be to assess Harper’s injury. He said that, “What we do know is it is a ligament injury to his shoulder. That will be assessed over the next couple of days. It is probably a little bit unfair to state how
long he will be out for because at this moment, we don't know. But it will be for a period of time. It's a massive disappointment for him. He is a player who I felt was the best goalkeeper in the Championship last season.”
The Magpies boss also revealed that youngster Tim Krul will step in for Harper, saying that: "Tim is in the squad for the Chelsea game [in the League Cup on Wednesday] and I have absolutely no worries in putting him in."
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