Given words put Sven on red alert

Sven-Goran Eriksson is preparing a fresh bid for Manchester City’s Shay Given, after the goalkeeper admitted he would be prepared to drop to the Championship.

Given has been frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities at Eastlands this campaign, playing second fiddle to Joe Hart all season.

Foxes chief Eriksson made attempts to bring Given to the Walkers Stadium on loan earlier in the month, but the move was blocked by City manager Roberto Mancini.

But Given’s fresh words could prompt another bite at the cherry for Eriksson.

“I just want to play,” Given said. “I do not want to go for an entire season without playing and I am prepared to go to a Championship club and be on a 24-hour call-back.

“That would benefit me, by getting me match-sharp, and City, who would have an experienced, match-sharp goalkeeper to come in if Joe got injured.”

Eriksson has made no secret of his desire to bring in a top-class goalkeeper to help City in their bid for promotion, despite the encouraging recent form of Chris Weale.

Wigan stopper Kris Kirkland was drafted in over the Christmas period, but was forced to return to the DW Stadium through injury.

But Leicester may be finally able to land their man, following the Republic of Ireland international’s plea to Mancini.

Stan Collymore, former Leicester striker and now TalkSport correspondent, also fuelled speculation on his Twitter page, saying: “Strong rumour of Shay Given going to Leicester City on loan from Manchester City, with the Foxes paying all of his wages.”

Watch this space…