Our new G-K...

[BedsVillain]

If we're willing to pay 85k a week wages on a GK then we could be attracting the likes of Steklenberg, Handanovic or Akinfeev. I very much doubt any of them are on half of that at their current clubs. Granted there would be a larger transfer fee, but anything on top of the reported £5m for Given would make long term sense to me. Given would only be an option, IMO, if he's available on a free.

[N'ZMAV]

£85k a week for Given. That's OTT. If that's true.

[cb]

He's a good keeper (one of the very few Irish players who is genuine international class), but he has gotten very injury prone lately and clearly his next club is likely to be his last at the top level. For me he represents too much of a risk, considering the necessary outlay. There must be some cheaper quality options available from the continent, why not use that scouting system Houllier is meant to have put in place and go and find someone?

[johnc]

Given is injury prone. Rumour would have it that a proposed move to Arsenal in January fell through because of his dicky shoulder

[Rip Van We Go Again]

A big NO to Given.

I'd prefer somebody younger who will hold down the position for a few seasons without getting injured.

Foster, if not, Robinson.

[Ads]

Given is a quality goalkeeper.

My concern would be over his wages and whether he dominates his box enough.

[Le Lapin]

He is the best fit for us. A proven and consistent goal keeper. Would be happy with Shay.
Foster would be my second choice, Green or Robinson wouldn't be too bad either. Hopfully this is true.

[SoccerHQ]

Rather we'd have got Keiran Westwood in.

As others have said, Given is very injury prone now so be prepared for Guzan to play a fair few games next season.

[Matt C]

Still think we'll end up signing two keepers and Guzan will be off. Given plus say someone like Joe Lewis would be good.

[SoccerHQ]

Guzan's still o.k as back up and to play in the cup games I think.

[Villanation]

How was Friedel a safer option than Given?

By being a very good goalkeeper as opposed to an average, injury-prone one.

Precisely, when was the last time Given was first choice anywhere, even to wet behind the ears upcoming keepers lacking experience he was benched.

We can do better than Given and we should do better, and if these wages that are being chucked about are true, yet again screams the inconsistency at the club.

[Clark W Griswold]

Rather we'd have got Keiran Westwood in.

As others have said, Given is very injury prone now so be prepared for Guzan to play a fair few games next season.

Thats the thing though, Given is a quality, experienced keeper so would be more than fine as our first choice. If he does get injured as is possible, the jury is out on Guzan, but i don't think anyone is harsh enough to write him off at this stage. I would not be too upset if he came in to replace an injured no1 for a couple of months. The only thing for me is, £5m and 80k / week is obscene considering he's at the latter stages of his career and although i don't think we will pay that amount, if we did it would be a big gamble.

[pauliewalnuts]

Good keeper, but that's far too much in salary. Surely we can't complain about the wage bill then spunk that much on a goalkeeper?

He's also highly injury prone, which concerns me. We'd need a decent back up.

[Villanation]

Rather we'd have got Keiran Westwood in.

As others have said, Given is very injury prone now so be prepared for Guzan to play a fair few games next season.

Thats the thing though, Given us a quality, experienced keeper so would be more than fine as our first choice, but if he does get injured as is possible, the jury is out on Guzan, but i don't think anyone is harsh enough to write him off at this stage. I would not be too upset if he came in to replace an injured no1 for a couple of months. The only thing for me is, £5m and 80k / week is obscene considering his at the latter stages of his career and although i don't think we will pay that amount, if we did it would be a big gamble.

5ML and 80k is criminal, if we have to take him it should be on loan and pay per play.

[hartman_1982]

If people think Shay Given is not goo enough for us, they are living in a dream world.