Spurs lurking but Kinnear says keeper Given staying in Toon

NEWCASTLE boss Joe Kinnear has warned Tottenham counterpart Harry Redknapp to save the price of a phone call if he intends to step up his interest in Shay Given.

The new Spurs manager, who has made a blistering start to his reign at White Hart Lane, has made no secret of his admiration for the 32-year-old Irishman, who has returned to top form after finally shaking off his injury problems.

With the Magpies currently in a state of flux as owner Mike Ashley continues the search for a buyer — rumours that a deal has been struck were not being given too much credence on Tyneside yesterday — there is an assumption that some of their big names could be there for the taking once the January transfer window opens.