NEWCASTLE, England (AP) -Shay Given's 11-year stay at Newcastle looks set to end after his lawyer said the Ireland goalkeeper was unhappy with the way the Premier League club is being run.
The 32-year-old Given has played 459 matches for the Magpies - just 36 fewer than Jimmy Lawrence's club record - but has been the subject of interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham at a time when he appears unsettled by uncertainty over the club's ownership and its struggle to avoid relegation.
Mike Ashley, who is unpopular with fans following a dispute that resulted in September's departure of manager Kevin Keegan, took the club off the market last week after failing to find a buyer.
The team then lost 5-1 at home to title-chasing Liverpool, leaving it just two points above the relegation zone.
"It was the lowest point of his football career and a performance that he would not wish to be repeated," Michael Kennedy said in a statement released late Thursday. "When he signed a new five-year contract in 2006 it was on the basis that the club would challenge for major honors, but on the present evidence all that he can see ahead with the turmoil on and off the pitch is a battle for survival.
"Having served the club loyally for over 11 years, Shay feels compelled to consider his position in the light of the interest being expressed in him by Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham."
Manchester City has money to spend from its rich Arab owners, Arsenal needs a challenger to Manuel Almunia, and Spurs could be interested following Heurelho Gomes' erratic performances this season.
But Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear said again Friday that Given was happy to play for the club.
"I'm not sure of the facts, that he has said that or how it's been interpreted, but what I will say is Shay is contracted until 2011," Kinnear said. "He is our player and he is going to stay our player, it's as simple as that.
"He is an integral part of the team. He is the best goalkeeper by miles in the league, so why should we jeopardize our chances in the position we are in?"
