Kinnear insists Given is going nowhere

SOCCER : Joe Kinnear has again stressed goalkeeper Shay Given will not be leaving Newcastle.

Speculation over the weekend claimed Given has been the subject of a bid from Manchester City as Mark Hughes looks to improve his squad.

Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with the Republic of Ireland international, who has spent over a decade at St James' Park.

Given released a statement to say he was considering his future on Tyneside following the 5-1 home defeat by Liverpool at the end of last month.

Magpies boss Kinnear has not been able to fault Given's commitment since he made public his dissatisfaction at the failure to challenge for trophies.

And he remains confident Given, along with captain Michael Owen, will still be at the club when the transfer window closes.

"In my eyes, Shay is still going nowhere," Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle.

"He's got a major role here, as has Michael Owen. And they both proved they are focused and committed to this club."