Harper Deal Has Nothing To Do With Shay Given!

Last updated : 28 January 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from St James' Park during the transfer window with Tottenham apparently keen on his services.

But with Shay Given having indicated his desire to leave, Newcastle have moved to keep hold of veteran Harper, who has played 111 times for the Magpies since joining in 1993.

Newcastle coach Chris Hughton insists the deal was not done on the back of Given's proposed move to City, but we hear different.

Harper: "I'm a north-east lad and Newcastle United has always been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted that will continue.

"At the end of this contract I have been at Newcastle for 19 seasons which is more than half my life so that shows how much this club has always meant to me.

"I'm delighted it's sorted and now I can concentrate on doing what I have always done which is working hard in training and push my claims for regular first-team football."