A transfer bargain that North London duo should attempt to sign up?

Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has enjoyed an indifferent time since his transfer from Newcastle nearly two and a half years ago. Given made an immediate impact following his signing for a reported £8 million and was a mainstay the following season until suffering a dislocated shoulder in April 2010. Then, Roberto Mancini surprised many when, at the start of this season, he picked young English keeper Joe Hart for the opening league fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. Hart has progressed at a phenomenal rate becoming a regular starter for both club and country and Given has been restricted to only four appearances for City; One in the Carling Cup and three in the Europa League.

Given was linked with numerous clubs in January but chose instead to stay put. But, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both rumoured to be interested in signing the 35 year old this Summer, is it time for the Irishman to move on?

Given has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premiership since he was first signed by Newcastle in 1997. He has gone on to make nearly 400 appearances in the Premier League alone and earned 110 caps for Ireland, seven of which came this season. But, the player himself has begun to admit that sitting on the bench is not helping his cause for club or country. At the age of 35 he should be at the peak of his powers and playing regular football.

But, Manchester City are able to offer Champions League football next year and will surely make some exciting signings this summer as they look to form a title challenge. Given himself will surely be tempted to stay at Eastlands and fight it out with Hart for the Number 1 jersey and get paid handsomely to do so.

But, displacing Hart will be no easy accomplishment. Mancini favours the Englishman over Given and he is fast becoming one of the best keepers in the league. Perhaps, therefore, he would be best moving on, but where would represent the best home?

Arsenal have been rumoured to be interested in Given for some time. Manuel Almunia is seemingly on his way out of the Emirates whilst Fabianski is either inconsistent of injured. Wojciech Szczęsny has had an impressive debut season but it still young and learning. Given could be just the man to aid Szczęsny’s development and bring some leadership to a back four that has appeared troubled since the departure of William Gallas. But, much of this will hinge on whether Wenger sticks to his rule regarding only offering one-year contracts to players over 32, particularly as Given signed a four and a half year deal at Manchester City.

Fans of Tottenham appear to be losing patience with Heurelho Gomes and some of his errors have costs Spurts points. And, unlike Wenger,Harry Redknapp cannot resist a bargain and will sign a good player regardless of age. Spurs might not be able to offer the glamour of the Champions League next season but would provide Given with opportunity to be part of an exciting project at White Hart Lane under Redknapp.

Admittedly both teams have performed under expectations this season and find themselves currently sitting in fourth and fifth place respectively. But, unlike at City, both would offer the opportunity of regular football in ambitious sides looking to make the next step up.

Arsenal have faltered in recent seasons but, with the right players and manager at the helm, most fans will agree another title challenge will come soon. And, whilst Spurs are yet to become Champions League regulars, their fantastic run to this year’s Quarter Finals shows the progress they have made under Redknapp and fans will hopefully get to see a resumption of their fine European performances in next year’s Europa League and beyond.