Keegan keen to keep Given at Toon as Arsenal set sights on Ireland keeper

Rumours that Arsene Wenger could target the 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international as a replacement for Jens Lehmann following his move to Stuttgart have been circulating for some time.  

Kevin Keegan is the latest Magpies boss to have insisted there is not a better pair of goalkeepers in the Barclays Premier League than Given and Steve Harper, who deputised for the former Blackburn man as he recovered from hernia surgery at the end of last season.  

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Sit tight: Keegan would love it if Given stayed at St James' Park

However, as he prepares to reshape his squad, there is little doubt that big decisions may have to be taken and any significant offer would have to be at least considered.

Harper, 33, has proved himself more than capable over the years, and with youngsters Fraser Forster and Tim Krul waiting in the wings, the club has strength, if not a wealth of experience, in that department.  

But it is understood the Magpies have cast an eye north of the border to take a look at Rangers 26-year-old Scotland international Allan McGregor, who has been linked with Tottenham.  

Given has been a Newcastle stalwart since his £1.5million arrival at St James' Park under Kenny Dalglish in July 1997.  

He has 437 senior appearances for the club to his name and has been first choice for all but a few months of his 11-year stay on Tyneside.  

However, injuries blighted last season as he battled with the after-effects of an horrific collision with then West Ham striker Marlon Harewood which left him with a perforated bowel during the previous campaign.  

Harper kept goal for the last 11 games to remind Keegan - the man who signed him back in July 1993 - of his quality.  

With Stephen Carr, Peter Ramage, James Troisi, Emre and David Rozehnal having already left the club and Shola Ameobi seemingly certain to follow, Keegan would be reluctant to see many more follow them, and particularly one of such proven quality and commitment as Given.  

However, midfielder Joey Barton's position looks increasingly untenable amid suggestions he is unwilling to take a pay cut to remain on Tyneside in the wake of his imprisonment for assault and affray.  

It is understood the club offered him the chance to stay on a re-negotiated contract, but that was not acceptable to him.  

The alternative appears to be his dismissal, although with Newcastle having invested £5.8million in his services last summer, they could retain his registration to ensure they can demand a fee from any prospective employer.