Given On His Way!
Newcastle United are resigned to losing their goalkeeper to Mark Hughes's side and, although any deal will almost certainly be concluded after the game, all parties would prefer that Given was not involved.
Steve Harper will consequently make a rare first-team appearance ... but it could concrete his future at St James' Park ... because he was not a "happy bunny" when he was told Portsmouth's David James could be brought in to replace Given.
Carlo Cudicini has joined Tottenham Hotspur - so that rules out a Spurs bid for either Given OR Harper - and Harper is finally close to signing an improved three-year contract extension on an agreement due to expire in June.