Shay given new contract offer

The Magpies' shot-stopper has been in outstanding form this season and is among the top goalkeepers in The Premiership along with Jerzy Dudek and Carlo Cudiccini.

It has been recently reported that Given was unhappy not to have been offered an extended stay at St James' Park, and wanted to sort out his future soon.

The club have now hit back saying that the Republic of Ireland international has been offered a five-year contract at is the club who are awaiting an answer from their number one.

"There is obviously a breakdown in communications between Shay and his agent," said chief operating Officer Russell Cushing.

"The agent was in negotiations with the club in the early part of the year and again as recently as a month ago. We have made the player an excellent offer.

"It was disappointing to read comments from Shay suggesting the opposite. An outburst of this nature appears to be completely out of character.

"As far as we are concerned he can come and sign today - he really needs to make his position clear to the club so the manager can plan for the very important season ahead."