Manchester United have contacted close rivals Manchester City to make discreet enquiries into the availability of second choice goalkeeper Shay Given, it is being claimed this weekend.
Several British sports websites say the move happened after the David De Gea deal may not go through with the Spaniard preferring to stay in Spain.
The 20 year old stopper had recently suggested that he would not mind staying with Atletico Madrid – and and also previously claimed that he would notify the media once the U21′s European Championship is over.
There is concern at Old Trafford that he will remain at Atletico and the board have therefore asked about Given.
The 35 year old Irishman has been at Manchester City since 2009 but has been playing second fiddle to current England number one Joe Hart.
Speculation has been high regarding an exit for Shay Given who almost left the club in January to find more first team action and numerous Premiership clubs have been monitoring his situation.
The latest club to be linked with the Lifford man is Aston Villa.
One site reports: “Whether Manchester City would be prepared to sell the keeper to their rivals is another matter, they realise that Given is too good a player to be left on the bench and should Given ask to move on, they may just grant him his wish, regardless of which team it might be.”
According to other reports Aston Villa are interested in Shay.
The Daily Mail claims new Villa manager Alex McLeish is eyeing the Republic of Ireland keeper.
Former Villa No 1 Brad Friedel recently left to join Tottenham and McLeish is now hunting in earnest for a replacement.
However, while the Scot may see Given as a perfect successor, City’s asking price may prove an insurmountable hurdle for the former Birmingham boss.
Celtic and West Bromwich Albion are also believed to be interested.
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