Goalkeeper set for big pay off to leave Villa Park.
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Shay Given is looking to be released early from his contract at Aston Villa according to The Daily Star. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has found himself increasingly marginalised at the club despite still having three years left to run on his current deal.
But the goalkeeper’s £60,000 a week wages means that Villa are looking at a compensation deal of £5 million should they wish Given to leave.
Given has the alternative of remaining at the club and seeing out his current deal which would net him an astonishing £9 million.
That further pales in comparison when it is noted that Given actually took a 25% pay cut to join the Birmingham club from his former side Manchester City.
Given has been capped 125 times by his country and is widely regarded as amongst the best goalkeepers in Premier League history.
But his advancing years, and the emergence of Brad Guzan has meant Given’s playing time has been restricted in recent times.
Villa boss Paul Lambert is keen to get his high earning fringe players off the books as he looks to make room for new signings.
Given is likely to be followed out of the Villa exit door this summer by the likes of Darren Bent and Stephen Ireland who have both been deemed surplus to reqirements.