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.