Stoke City make last minute bid for Shay Given

Just when it seemed Shay Given would be swapping Aston Villa for Middlesbrough, Stoke City have tabled a last minute offer. Given is available on a free transfer.

Given has been told that he will not be first choice keeper at Villa next season and is subsequently heading elsewhere on a free transfer. Middlesbrough had apparently won the race for the keeper but a last minute bid from Stoke City appears to have wrapped u Given's long term future. The Irish keeper will be offered a two year deal at the Britannia Stadium.