The media have both been speculating about the future of both of Newcastle’s long-term goalkeepers Shay Given and Steve Harper. With Harper signing a new three-year deal this week, it seems that Given is ready to make a move, with Manchester City sniffing around the Republic of Ireland stopper.

Kinnear mentions that he has done all he can to keep Given at St James Park, but the 32-year-old has made up his mind.:

I have bent over backwards to keep him – I’ve tried to make him stay. He’s done 11 years here and I think he wants a new challenge.

I would be heartbroken to see him go because he is one of the best keepers in the world. But Man City keep banging on the door to talk to him.

Newcastle fans that I have spoken to appear to share Kinnear’s outlook that losing Given would be terrible for their chances of Premiership survival but after 11 years of top quality service, they can understand Given’s need to move on to bigger things.

With the Citizens reportedly offering £8 million of their new-found wealth and Steve Harper as a ready-made replacement, will it be long before we see given turning out at Eastlands?

Several names, who are normally connected with most jobs, have been bounded about; Peter Ried, Alan Curbishley and Davod O’Leary have been mentioned. But one person has put themselves forward for the job. An ex-Magpie.

Sam Allardyce, who was at the helm of rivals Newcastle United for 8 months, has put his name forward to be the fiery Irishman’s replacement:

I’ve said over the last few days that I would like to get back into managing a football club and I’m bound to be linked with Sunderland at the moment. There’s been no official contact but I know what a great club it is. I’ve worked there twice before, so I know what it needs.

But we’ll just have to wait and see. I really feel I’m ready now.

There are two obstacles to overcome with the possiblity of ‘Big Sam’ being in charge of the Black Cats. First and foremost, would he take Sunderland forward? His Bolton side were known for succeeding, but playing a brand of anti-football, whereas Sunderland under Keane played attractive football. If he is chosen, the second factor comes in, how would ther Sunderland fans react to him? Has his association with Newcastle tainted him forever, or will his lack of success at St James Park, like Michael Chopra, ease him into the Stadium Of Light hotseat?

Ex-England manager Terry Venables is expected to decide on Thursday whether to take over as interim Newcastle boss … so the BBC tells me.

But is this such a good idea? Does Terry Venables really have what it takes to turn Newcastle around? What has he achieved since Euro 96? Will the Newcastle fans accept him as he is a close friend of Dennis Wise?

Terry Venables is known as a manager who gets results. He guided Barcelona to a La Liga title and a European Cup final. He secured the FA Cup with Tottenham. He inspired England to some glorious football and the semi-finals of an unforgettable Euro 96. Now he is in talks to keep a flailing Newcastle United’s head above the Premier League relegation watermark. Will it work out?

The St James’ Park hotseat is seen as a somewhat poisoned chalice, having had more than seven occupants in just 10 years. With owner Mike Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise becoming hate figures for the Magpies fans, is another close friend the answer?

Venables has not really achieved anything since 1996. His stints at Crystal Palace, Leeds and Middlesbrough were all drastic moves by the board to stave of relegation. It worked for Boro, but Palace went down and Leeds sacked him before he could do the same to them. He was also part of the ill-fated Stevie Mac era of English comedy in 2007. The signs are not good for Newcastle fans.

I could be proved wrong and El Tel could be the saviour of Newcastle, but once again, its saviour needs to avoid a relegation scrap, rather than bring in the silverware that the fans crave, and deserve, so much.

Pablo Aimar has rejected the chance to don the famous black-and-white stripes, agreeing to join Portuguese giants Benfica for €7.5 million, around £6.25 million. The Real Zaragoza forward was heavily linked to the Magpies throughout the week, with Everton also mentioned, but it appears that the lure of St James Park was not enough as Aimar chose Champions League football.

Zaragoza communications director Luis Sol told Portuguese website maisfutebol.iol.pt:

He is about to sign a contract with Benfica. Between Zaragoza and Benfica everything is sorted out. The doors are open for Aimar to become Benfica player.

Keegan is also eyeing West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand, who also looks set to snub a move north. Having sealed the signing of Danny Guthrie from Liverpool and Jonas Gutierrez from Real Mallorca, are Newcastle fans at all worried about the ‘targets’ that King Kev is missing out on? Or are they happy with the squad they have, considering there was a late-season burst of form from the Magpies?

Jonas Gutierrez has sealed a switch to St James’ Park from Spanish side Real Mallorca on a five-year-deal. The 24-year-old, who helped Mallorca to UEFA Cup qualification last season, has signed for an undisclosed fee, although this is thought to be around £9million.

Gutierrez was being tracked by a host of English clubs, including Tottenham and Portsmouth, but Keegan beat them to the punch, telling the Magpies official website:

Jonas is a wonderful signing for us. I know a lot of other clubs have been interested in him. He’ll be a terrific addition to the squad.

He’s an exciting player and I’m sure our fans will enjoy watching him.

The Argentine international, who made his debut against France in 2007, could not hide his delight as he spoke about the move:

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be joining Newcastle United.

The Premier League is a great place to play and I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and prove myself to the Newcastle United fans.

Are Newcastle fans as overjoyed as Keegan and Gutierrez about his arrival? He did help an unfancied Mallorca side to seventh in La Liga, can he do the same at Newcastle?