Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has warned off potential suitors of goalkeeper Shay Given as the January transfer window approaches.
Reports had suggested the Republic of Ireland international was ready to leave St James' Park after seven years on Tyneside, in which Newcastle have failed to win a trophy.
Given was quick to play down the reports as speculation mounted that both Arsenal and Manchester United could be prepared to test Newcastle's resolve to keep one of their most consistent performers and Shepherd was eager to dampen the hopes of any club looking at Given.
"There is absolutely no chance of Shay Given leaving St James' Park and nobody has contacted us about him. He is not for sale and that is the end of the story," he said.
The claims were greeted with surprise by Given, who said: "I am baffled by these reports because I have not spoken to anyone. I am as frustrated as anyone by our lack of success, but I want to stay and win things with Newcastle."
