Four months after signing a new, four-contract that would have kept him at the club until he was 28, Shay Given has submitted a written transfer request to Newcastle United. The news has stunned his manager, Bobby Robson, and the playing staff at St James' Park, where Given has been a popular figure since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers three years ago.
Given, it seems, is perturbed by Robson's failure to reinstate the Donegal man as his number one goalkeeper immediately after Given returned from injury. Steve Harper, with whom Given has sparred for the goalkeeper's jersey for the past 18 months, has played the last four matches since Given picked up a dead leg against Derby County two days before Christmas.
When Given signed his lucrative deal it was on the understanding that this would not be the case, that he had established himself ahead of Harper. Robson has taken to calling Given one of his "blue chip" players, but although Given has been in fine form this season Harper has made no mistakes during his recall. It would be difficult for Robson to drop Harper. This is why Robson is said to be furious about the timing of Given's request.
Given has been concerned about his Republic of Ireland position for some time and it could be that which stimulated his request for a transfer.
"The board have told me that they will give me a decision later in the week and in the meantime I will train with enthusiasm," said the 24-year-old.
"I thought that my consistency in the 20 or so early-season games would have meant an early recall," said Given.
"When this did not happen and no explanation was given to me, I felt that I had no other way of making the strength of my feelings known.
"It is nothing personal against Steve Harper, we are great friends. "I appreciate that there are many players who would not have reacted in this way - but I am passionate and committed player, desperate for Newcastle to do well and show our supporters that we can compete with the best."
Meanwhile, Fulham are set to make a £3.5 million bid for Coventry City's Republic of Ireland centre-back Gary Breen.
The Craven Cottage side are seeking a replacement for car crash victim Chris Coleman, and the 27-year-old defender is believed to be the latest target, according to the London Evening Standard.
Breen cost the Highfield Road club £2.5 million from Birmingham City three years ago after spells at Maidstone, Gillingham and Peterborough United.
The deal is thought to hinge on whether Breen will be willing to drop down a division, although, with Fulham on course for promotion to the Premiership, the Irishman is only likely to be playing Division One football until the end of the season.
But Coventry City chairman Bryan Richardson totally dismissed the notion that Breen could be on his way out of Highfield Road.
He told the club's official website: "There's absolutely no substance to that at all. He's certainly not going to be going there. We wouldn't let Gary Breen go anywhere."
Wimbledon boss Terry Burton has revealed that Republic of Ireland international Kenny Cunningham is close to a return to first team action.
Burton said: "We need Kenny to come back and give us that experience and stability that we have lacked at times."
Steve Lomas wants talks with West Ham manager Harry Redknapp to see if he has a future at the club.
Redknapp has accepted £3.7 million bids from Manchester City and Everton for Lomas and claims the final decision is down to the Hammers skipper.
Lomas is confused that Redknapp is willing to sell the midfielder, even though he claims he wants him to stay.
