Shay Given to fight for place at Manchester City
Despite losing his place in the Manchester City team to Joe Hart, Shay Given has opted to remain at the City of Manchester Stadium and fight for the No.1 jersey, rather than move clubs.
It was expected that the Republic of Ireland international would leave the Premier League big-spenders, for a loan move to either Fulham or Arsenal.
But on the eve that the transfer window closes, the 34-year-old has decided that he wants to stay at Eastlands – at least until January – to win back his place in the team from England’s first-choice goalkeeper.
It’s reported that Given held talks with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and the club’s football administrator, Brian Marwood, and was finally convinced that he will have a chance to prove himself again this season.
However, ousting Hart from between the sticks will be no easy task for the former Newcastle United keeper. The 23-year-old has been exceptional for club and country this month and looks set to remain first-choice for both City and England for years to come.
Given’s decision to stay at Eastlands could have several knock-on effects in the transfer market. Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is desperate for a move to Arsenal, but this move has now been jeopardised after the Cottagers’ chances of landing Given were all but ended.
As a result, the Gunners are now likely to stick with Manuel Almunia rather than looking elsewhere.
With City seemingly unprepared to loan to fellow Premier League clubs, the deal to take Given to either Fulham or Arsenal was always in the balance. Perhaps this was the decisive factor in why the Irishman opted to stay at the club he joined last year.
Whatever his reasons, the intriguing tussle for the number one jersey at Eastlands will now continue to at least the turn of the new year.
And Mancini will be delighted that he still has the luxury of two first-class goalkeepers in his ranks.
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