Several reports in the English media earlier today suggested that Shay Given had been released from his Aston Villa contract and was on the verge of joining Championship side Middlesbrough.
According to local Middlesbrough paper the Gazette, the move has fallen through due to the interest of Stoke.
So close were Boro to signing the 39-year-old that manager Aitor Karanka actually mentioned it in a press conference today.
We are working on the keeper position we are working on the striker position, we are working on the midfielder position. Shay was here, I know him, he knows me, so we are working and let’s see.
The Gazette say that the Premier League side are now in pole position to sign Given, presumably as he would prefer not to drop down a division.
Given was apparently set to sign a two-year deal with Boro where he spent a successful loan spell during the 2013/14 season.
John Percy of the Telegraph also tweeted that the Irish international is close to joining Mark Hughes' side.
Stoke have made a late move for #avfc goalkeeper Shay Given. Could be completed in the next 24 hours. Was expected at Boro today #scfc
— John Percy (@John__Percy) July 8, 2015
Given would likely be a replacement for Asmir Begovic who has been linked with a move to Chelsea.
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
