Keegan - Given going nowhere

Newcastle boss rejects rumours surrounding goalkeeper's future

By James Dall   Last updated: 24th July 2008

given shay

Given: In Keegan's plans

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Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has no plans to allow goalkeeper Shay Given to leave the club.

Republic of Ireland international Given, 32, has been a pillar of consistency since he arrived at St James' Park in 1997.

His impressive displays have seen him often linked with a transfer away from Tyneside, with Arsenal the latest club reportedly lining up an offer.

However, Given recently reiterated his commitment to Newcastle amid the speculation surrounding his future.

Crazy summer

And, in a bid to quell the lingering rumours, Keegan is adamant he would not be willing to part company with his first-choice shot-stopper should he receive a bid.

He told the club's official website: "All the talk of Shay leaving, you're going to get that with players because we're in that crazy summer, as I call it, when the press are after stories all the time.

"Of course, they don't always have to be true stories, it can just be fabricated - an insider was heard to say is a favourite story in the paper at that time of year.

"But why get rid of a top class player? We're looking to bring them in to play alongside the ones we've already got."