Soccer:With less than a week remaining in the transfer window Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has urged Shay Given to decide whether he wants to stay at Eastlands or leave in search of regular football.
The Italian today reiterated his stance that he wants the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper to stay but will accept it if he decides to move on and a club can be found for him.
Asked today if there had been any firm interest shown in the Donegalman by other clubs, Mancini said: “At this moment, no.”
Given has been unsettled since the start of the season when England goalkeeper Joe Hart was given the nod ahead of him for the number one jersey.
He has been linked with moves to Fulham, Arsenal and Celtic but Mancini insists there has been no contact from any club so far.
“I always said that if Shay stays, for me, it is important,” Mancini told Sky Sports today. “Because we need two good goalkeepers, but Shay must decide.
“I can understand if he wants to leave but I hope that he can stay.
“Ten days ago he told me he wanted to play, which I can understand because all players want to play. Now we have just six days (before the end of the transfer window) he must decide.
“If he wants to stay, for me, it is a good thing.”
Mancini hinted, however, that striker Roque Santa Cruz might be better served by moving on after the arrival of Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan.
“I think Roque is a fantastic guy and player and if he wants to stay I am happy. But I think if he wants to play it is possible for him to leave for Lazio or another team.”