Given Missing City Match; Signing Imminent

By Brian Lofrumento | 27th January 2009

Given Missing City Match; Signing Imminent | read this item

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shay-given1 As Newcastle United gear up to face Manchester City tomorrow, Shay Given has been informed that he will not be playing against his future club. Yes, you read it right, Shay Given is on the verge of wrapping up a deal that brings him to the City of Manchester Stadium.

Although a signing won’t be completed before tomorrow’s fixture, both sides have agreed that it’s better if Given doesn’t make an appearance. This has several implications for both sides.

For Newcastle, it means Steve Harper will make the step up to the number one spot. Harper has made rare appearances in recent times when Given has been out, but it looks like he’ll need to be ready to make the full step up. A three year contract is also being offered to the goalkeeper as Joe Kinnear proves his faith.

For Manchester City, Given’s imminent signing indicates that there will be no “fantasy football” signing of Gianluigi Buffon. The Italian has been linked with a record breaking move to the Premier League since the Abu Dhabi Group took over, but the wise signing of a proven Premier League goalkeeper quashes those rumors.

Who will win tomorrow? Have your say in the Predictions Game, or discuss it in the forums. Don’t miss the huge winter sale going on in the Premiership Talk Shop!