Harper deal increases Given speculation

NEWCASTLE yesterday put their contingency plan in place should they be forced to sell goalkeeper Shay Given when Steve Harper signed a new three-year contract.

The 33-year-old’s decision to accept a new deal, which will keep him at St James’ Park until the summer of 2012 and take his stay at the club to 19 years, will represent to many a clear indication that the Magpies are ready to bow to the pressure being exerted by cash-rich Manchester City to prise Given from their grasp.

Since speculation over the move first surfaced in the wake of comments from the Republic of Ireland international’s solicitor, Michael Kennedy, outlining his frustration on Tyneside, manager Joe Kinnear has insisted neither he nor any of his other key players will be sold this month.

However, with City lavishing increasing amounts of the Abu Dhabi Group’s money on new talent, it remains to be seen just how strong their resolve to hang on to him is.

It is understood Kennedy was on Tyneside on Monday to discuss the proposed transfer, but that talks broke up without resolution and with the potential buyers having yet to make Newcastle an offer they could not refuse.

Kinnear was not on Tyneside yesterday as he attended a personal hearing over two of the FA charges with which he has been hit since his arrival at the club and was fined £500 (€537) and warned as to his future conduct for calling Martin Atkinson “a Mickey Mouse referee”.

However, number two Chris Hughton said there had been no change in their stance over Given, Joey Barton or Charles N’Zogbia, as he conducted the pre-match press conference for tonight’s trip to, ironically, City. He said: “It still remains the same. The biggest priority here is getting the additional players into the squad that we need to get in.’’

Hughton was adamant that nothing should be read into Harper’s decision to sign a new contract after stalling on the deal he was offered late in December at the same time as Michael Owen, Nicky Butt and Shola Ameobi.

He said: “The only thing to read into it is that what we would like to do is keep the quality individuals here.

” All we wanted to do was retain his services for another three years and we have been able to do that, and we are delighted with that.”

Meanwhile City boss Mark Hughes has revealed that Robinho will be sanctioned for walking away from a Manchester City training camp.

The Brazil international made an unscheduled departure from a Tenerife excursion last week.

The 25-year-old headed back to his homeland without City’s permission, claiming he had ‘family business’ to attend to.

It was expected that Robinho would be fined for his actions, although some reports had suggested that the Blues were prepared to turn a blind eye to the incident.

Hughes has, however, confirmed that action will be taken, with the Welshman keen to show that any indiscretions will not be tolerated — regardless of player profile. “I have read some of the things that have been said this morning but nothing could be further from the truth,’’ he said. “I have told Robby about the situation and our intention is to fine him.’’