Kinnear hints at Given exit
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Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear accepts he may lose goalkeeper Shay Given before the transfer window closes as he has admitted the Irishman's future is "out of his hands."
In December, Given vented his frustration at the Magpies uncanny ability to lurch from one crisis to another and said, via his lawyer, that he wanted to leave the club after 11 years service at St James' Park.
The 32-year-old was signed from Blackburn by Kenny Dalglish in 1997, and has established himself as one of the club's most valuable assets.
Given and his solicitor Michael Kennedy held talks with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias this week.
On Tuesday, Newcastle denied that Steve Harper signing a new contract was linked to Given's possible departure.
However, Kinnear has now hinted that Given is on the brink of leaving the club, with Manchester City still believed to be interested in the Republic of Ireland international.
Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle: "I've bent over backwards to keep Shay, and I have told the powers-that-be that he has got to stay.
"But I understand it from Shay's point of view."
"He's done 11 years here at Newcastle, and I think he wants a new challenge."
"I left Shay with Mike Ashley, Derek Llambias and Michael Kennedy, and the talks went on for a few hours.
"It's out of my hands and I am still waiting for the final outcome, but I think he wants a new challenge and that he wants to speak to Manchester City.
"I would be heartbroken to see him go because he is one of the best keepers in the world. But Man City keep banging on the door to talk to him."
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In December, Given vented his frustration at the Magpies uncanny ability to lurch from one crisis to another and said, via his lawyer, that he wanted to leave the club after 11 years service at St James' Park.
The 32-year-old was signed from Blackburn by Kenny Dalglish in 1997, and has established himself as one of the club's most valuable assets.
Given and his solicitor Michael Kennedy held talks with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias this week.
On Tuesday, Newcastle denied that Steve Harper signing a new contract was linked to Given's possible departure.
However, Kinnear has now hinted that Given is on the brink of leaving the club, with Manchester City still believed to be interested in the Republic of Ireland international.
Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle: "I've bent over backwards to keep Shay, and I have told the powers-that-be that he has got to stay.
"But I understand it from Shay's point of view."
"He's done 11 years here at Newcastle, and I think he wants a new challenge."
"I left Shay with Mike Ashley, Derek Llambias and Michael Kennedy, and the talks went on for a few hours.
"It's out of my hands and I am still waiting for the final outcome, but I think he wants a new challenge and that he wants to speak to Manchester City.
"I would be heartbroken to see him go because he is one of the best keepers in the world. But Man City keep banging on the door to talk to him."
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Personal
Also see:
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