Clubs on alert as Given resigned to leaving Man City in January

A number of Premier League clubs may be making early plans to swoop for Shay Given in the January transfer window after it was confirmed that he will be allowed to leave Manchester City.

There was much talk ahead of the recent transfer window’s closing that Given may be on the move, but City boss Roberto Mancini revealed that Given made the decision to remain at Eastlands and fight for a place in the team.

However, Given is still awaiting his first start of the campaign and is unlikely to gain much playing time ahead of Joe Hart as City look to defy odds of 10/1 to win the Premier League.

Because of this, he has indicated that he would not be choosy when it came to securing a move in January if it meant playing regular football rather than being sat on the bench.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper told the Sunday Times: “It’s very, very frustrating. I know it doesn’t matter what I do on the training pitch, I won’t be playing at the weekend.

“We’ll see what happens come January and hopefully if the situation’s the same I can go on loan and try and get some games in.

“I wouldn’t mind where a loan was and wouldn’t rule out abroad if it was a good club and a good team.”

Arsenal spent the summer being linked with a new goalkeeper, with Given one of the names mentioned as a possible replacement for Manuel Almunia.

Meanwhile, Given has been linked with a return to Newcastle, who may seek an emergency loan deal rather than wait until January after Steve Harper injured a shoulder against Everton and faces up to three months on the sidelines.

Given may start in Manchester City’s next game, where they are 5/6 to win away to West Brom in the third round of the Carling Cup. See the whole West Brom vs Manchester City match betting market.