Kinnear insists Given won't be sold

(GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has insisted goalkeeper Shay Given will not be sold during the winter transfer window.

The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been linked with north London duo Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks.

However, Kinnear, who saw Given turn in a remarkable individual display against Liverpool on Sunday and yet still end up on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline, has no intention of allowing him to leave St James' Park.

Kinnear told The Journal: "There is no problem there. He's very happy here, he's very comfortable at Newcastle United.

"He won't be leaving - he has no interest in that whatsoever. He loves the football club - he's part of the city and that suits us because he's a world-class goalkeeper.

"Shay's performance against Liverpool was brilliant and that got picked up on.

"But ask the Geordie fans and I think they already knew how good he is. They know their football, so to be one of their favourites says it all about how good he is.

"He's the best goalkeeper in the Premier League by a mile."

The goalkeeping position is one in which Newcastle enjoy some depth, with Steve Harper currently in discussions over a new contract and Tim Krul and Fraser Forster waiting in the wings.

That is not a luxury Kinnear has elsewhere in his squad and with hard cash at a premium despite owner Mike Ashley's decision to take the club off the market, a financial injection - speculation has placed an £8m price tag on Given's head - would be welcome.

However, the 61-year-old manager has always insisted his key players are not for sale as he attempts to drag the club away from the lower reaches of the Barclays Premier League.