It is perhaps no surprise that City could be in the process of shifting one of their best players. As they chase the inevitably destabilising influence of Mario Ballotelli and the inadequate talents of Landon Donovan the Eastlands faithful may be questioning what narcotics Signor Mancini is indulging in.
Now rumours that advertising companies have been told to leave images of Shay Given and Craig Bellamy out of forthcoming campaigns have fired talk that the Irishman and the Welsh winger are heading for the exit.
Bellamy’s possible outward transfer can at least be rationalised. The former Liverpool player is not backward in coming forward regarding his opinions and his own valuation of his worth. With high profile transfers coming into the City of Manchester Stadium it is understandable that Bellamy could be ruffled if he sees his spot in the side gradually being filled by big name imports.
Given on the other hand is usually a steady customer. The constantly dependable ‘Keeper is without doubt the best signing that City have made since their cash injection and has rewarded his employers with a string of fine displays.
The £7 million paid for Given probably represents the best value for money you are going to get on a ‘Keeper anywhere in the world. The only reason I could envisage for his exit is that City have been swayed by Gigi Buffon’s agent and are planning a big money move.
It would be pointless given the proficiency of their number one already but it would represent the mixture of talent and status symbol that the Manchester clubs owners desire so much.
