The Daily Telegraph are reporting that Shay Given is edging closer to leaving Aston Villa and joining Middlesbrough on a free transfer.
A move for Given will leave manager, Tim Sherwood with Brad Guzan, and Jed Steer as his first-team options. Reports this summer have already linked Villa with Stoke goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic. But the Bosnian is not believed to be top of Villa’s targets no more.
Fresh links have been established for Brentford goalkeeper, and ex-Spurs youth goalkeeper, David Button. Button is highly-rated by Sherwood and he sees the 26-year old as a solid replacement to compete for the number one jersey at Villa Park. Button kept 11 clean sheets last season for the Bees and was heavily linked with a move away from Griffin Park.
Given has one year remaining on his current deal at Villa after joining from Manchester City in 2011 for £3-million.
A Loyal Servant
Despite only making 53 appearances for Villa since joining under the doomed, Alex McLeish, Given remains a fan favourite at Villa Park and has been deemed to of been unfairly treated under previous management. After McLeish left in 2012, Paul Lambert came in and quickly made Brad Guzan his firm favourite in goal.
In 2013, Given had a brief loan spell at Middlesbrough and was keen to remain at the North-East side. He made 16 appearances while on loan but returned to Villa where he remained on the bench.
Many experienced goalkeepers would have showed frustration, but model-professional, Given stuck to the club and won back the number one jersey at the back end of the 2014/15 season under Tim Sherwood. The Irish international was a star performer in the early rounds of the FA Cup, impressing Sherwood. After a few blunders from Brad Guzan, Given replaced the American shot-stopper for the back end of last season.
Given will be missed by the Villa faithful who have seen some vintage performances in recent months helping Villa to Premier League survival and their first FA Cup final since 2000.
