Shepherd is Given boost after red alert

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has warned off potential suitors of their Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given as the January transfer window approaches.

Reports had suggested the Donegal man was ready to leave St James’ Park after seven years, in which Newcastle have failed to win a trophy.

Given played down the reports as speculation mounted that Arsenal and Manchester United could be prepared to lure one of their most consistent performers away.

Shepherd dampened the hopes of any club looking at Given.

“There is absolutely no chance of Shay Given leaving St James’ Park and nobody has contacted us about him,” he said. “He is not for sale and that is the end of the story.”

Given said: “I am baffled by these reports because I have not spoken to anyone. I am as frustrated as anyone by our lack of success, but I want to stay and win things with Newcastle.”

It is little wonder Given, who has more than two years left on his contract, is being linked with big clubs. Since establishing himself at Newcastle, he has earned a reputation as one of the most talented Premiership goalkeepers.

Having seen FA Cup finals and a UEFA Cup semi-final come and go without picking up a winners’ medal, he is frustrated at Newcastle’s lack of tangible success.

Since submitting and then retracting a transfer request during Bobby Robson’s reign, his commitment to Newcastle has never been in doubt.

The fact that the goalkeeping situations at Highbury and Old Trafford have been under the spotlight recently means it is inevitable Given will be mentioned as a target.

And just how long Newcastle can keep Given happy on Tyneside may depend on their success in attracting new blood, particularly the central defenders they need to re-establish themselves as a force at home and in Europe.

Jonathan Woodgate’s summer departure for Real Madrid has robbed them of one potentially world-class defender.

And while Andy O’Brien and Titus Bramble feel they can do a job, there is little doubt at least one big name will be on Souness’ January wish-list.

Speculation over Given’s future was the last thing Souness needed after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Portsmouth left his side lying 12th in the league table.

With the futures of French duo Laurent Robert and Olivier Bernard unclear, there is an air of uncertainty hanging over St James’ ahead of tomorrow night’s UEFA Cup clash with Sporting Lisbon.