By Ryan Benson
29 Jun 2011 00:44:00
EPL: Shay Given, Manchester City v Chelsea (Getty Images)
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Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is keen to make Manchester City’s second choice goalkeeper Shay Given his first signing since arriving at Villa Park, according to The Daily Mail.
Even before Villa appointed the Scot to take over from the departed Gerard Houllier, it was clear that a goalkeeper would have to be signed following the free transfer of Brad Friedel to Tottenham.
The man McLeish wants is Given with the Republic of Ireland international likely to be open to a move after spending virtually all of last season sitting on the bench playing second fiddle to Joe Hart.
It is believed City’s asking price for the former Newcastle United man is £5 million, a fee Villa wouldn’t struggle to meet, however it is the player’s wages that could be the main stumbling block.
If they are to sign Given, McLeish will have to persuade the Villa board that the Irishman is worth the £85,000 per-week salary he is currently on at Eastlands.
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Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish targets Manchester City’s £5m-rated Shay Given – report