Given close to Stoke move as Hull dismiss Brady offer as ‘embarrassing’

Shay Given is close to sealing a move to Stoke City as Aston Villa agree to release him from his contract a year early.

The Republic of Ireland international looked set to rejoin Middlesbrough, where he spent three months on loan during the 2013/14 season, but the opportunity to remain in the Premier League has seen him opt to sign for Mark Hughes’ side.

It is understood that the Donegal native has undergone a medical at the Potters and a deal is close to completion as Aston Villa secured a replacement for Given, signing goalkeeper Mark Bunn on a free transfer following his release from Norwich City.

Given, who has spent the last four years at Villa Park, made just 10 appearances last season including the clubs FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal last May.

The 39-year old will now compete with Jack Butland for the City number one position as current Stoke shot stopper Asmir Begovic looks set to leave the club, with reports heavily linking the Bosnian with a move to Chelsea.

No move yet, however for Given’s international teammate Robbie Brady, as Hull manager Steve Bruce slammed Norwich’s attempts to sign the Dubliner in a cut-price deal as “embarrassing”.

The Norfolk club want to add the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland wing-back to their squad after winning promotion back to the Barclays Premier League.

Bruce, though, is not about to let the Canaries land one of Hull’s key men on the cheap, despite their own relegation from the top flight.

“Norwich have come in with bids for Robbie Brady, but I have to say they have been embarrassing,” Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail.

“The supporters should know the truth and Norwich came in two weeks ago with a bid of £2m, £2.5m and then £3m. That’s ridiculous for someone who is 23, has played two years in the Premier League and has become a regular international.

“When we have just got almost twice that for Tom Ince (who joined Derby for £5m). It doesn’t make sense. We paid £2.75m for Robbie and that was three years ago.

“This can unsettle players, do this, that or the other, and it is all part of the game, but Robbie Brady will not be going for anywhere near that.”

Robin van Persie does appear to be on the move, with Fenerbahce confirming they have opened talks with Manchester United over the striker. The 31-year-old scored 30 goals for United as they won the league in 2012-13 following his £24million move from Arsenal.

Yesterday, Fenerbahce announced via Twitter: “Fenerbahce has begun transfer talks with Robin Van Persie and his club Manchester United.” Fenerbahce signed Van Persie’s former United team-mate Nani on Monday for a reported £4.25m.

In Scotland, Nadir Ciftci insists he is up to the task of being Celtic’s famous number seven shirt. The Turkish hitman has been handed a four-year contract after sealing his move from Dundee United.

The Hoops have paid an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £1.5m, for his services. Ciftci will wear the jersey made famous by club icons Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson but insists he will not let the burden of that honour weigh him down. The big frontman said: “It’s a favourite number for myself too — I’ve been wearing it everywhere else I’ve been.