Shay Given has already played his last game for Newcastle ahead of an imminent transfer to Manchester City. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper did not travel to Manchester for tonight’s clash with City and will complete a deal with the Eastlands club within the next 48 hours.

Newcastle are desperate to hold on to Given but are now resigned to losing the 32-year-old and manager Joe Kinnear has admitted he "bent over backwards" to keep the Irishman.

"I have told the powers that be that he has got to stay but I understand it from Shay’s point of view. He wants to leave, he’s done 11 years here at Newcastle and I think he wants a new challenge."

Kinnear added this afternoon: "It's out of my hands, and I am still waiting for the final outcome. But I think he wants a new challenge and that he wants to speak to Manchester City.

"I would be heartbroken to see him go, because he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. But Man City keep banging on the door to talk to him."

Given was signed from Blackburn Rovers by Kenny Dalglish in 1997 and established himself as one of the club’s most valuable assets.

Following a 5-1 defeat to Liverpool at the start of the month, in which Given was man of the match, he announced he was in need of a change.

A statement, made through his lawyer Michael Kennedy, alerted the attention of a number of clubs but once City emerged as contenders for his signature the likes of Tottenham and Juventus had to look elsewhere.

City, who need experience between the posts to help shore up their defence, initially offered €3.18 million and then €5.3m for the Donegal man, but the move is likely to cost around €10m.

The transfer window closes on February 2nd but if a deal is completed before the weekend Given is likely to be representing City against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday