Harper signs as Given speculation mounts

Newcastle today put their contingency plan in place should they decide 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 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.