Reports this afternoon suggest Arsenal and Manchester City are in talks over the sale…

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Reports this afternoon suggest Arsenal and Manchester City are in talks over the sale of Eastlands keeper Shay Given with the stopper’s former Newcastle United teammate Warren Barton reportedly revealing on American television that the transfer could go through any day now.

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given revealed over the weekend that he will seek the exit door at the Eastland’s stadium if Joe Hart is made the number 1 with a number of Premier League clubs notably Arsenal and Fulham alerted to his availability.

The 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international has revealed he does not want to sit on the bench at this stage in his career and will look to leave the City of Manchester with England hopeful Joe Hart having been picked ahead of him by manager Roberto Mancini as City’s Number 1.

Given’s former teammate Warren Barton told Fox Soccer in the USA when asked if Shay Given will leave the club:

“I do believe so. I spoke to him and I wished him well. He is one of my old colleagues and he wasn’t sure he was going to start. He is 34 years of age and an excellent professional, and an excellent goalkeeper as well.” He continued.

“For me there is no doubt he could be at Arsenal football club.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was rumoured to be on the verge of signing Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, however reports suggest the Frenchman has mad a u-turn on the transfer and turned his attention to the Republic of Ireland number 1.