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Kinnear tells Harry to keep away from Given

14/11/2008

Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear has warned off Tottenham Hotspur in their chase for goalkeeper Shay Given.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to sign the 32-year-old Irishman in the January transfer window, according to reports.

First-choice keeper Heurelho Gomes, who suffered a facial injury in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Liverpool, has been a guilty of a string of blunders this season.

With the Magpies' future uncertain as owner Mike Ashley continues the search for a buyer, reports have claimed the club could be forced to sell their big names in January.

But Kinnear has taunted Spurs by claiming Newcastle are a bigger club.

"I can save Harry the time and money and tell him not to bother even picking up the telephone, because there is no way Shay Given will be leaving this football club," the Irishman said.

"We want to build up Newcastle United and get good players in, not good players out.

"And why would he want to go to Spurs? This is a bigger club than Spurs.

"I have the utmost respect for Shay Given, as have most people in the game. He has vast experience and he is vital to us - and not only that, he is a decent fella."

Spurs, who are unbeaten in their last six games, face Fulham tomorrow at Craven Cottage while the Magpies are at home to Wigan Athletic.