Transfer news and speculation, 28 January

Newcastle United officials and their counterparts at Manchester City are to expected meet prior to their game at Eastlands tonight to discuss Shay Given. The Newcastle goalkeeper remains determined to leave and City have so far bid £5m for the 32-year-old Irishman. Mike Ashley, the Newcastle owner, who intervened on Monday by travelling to Tyneside to see Given face-to-face, remains set against selling Given for that price. City may have to raise their fee to £8m and Newcastle may ask for a player exchange on top of that.

Steve Harper signed a new three-year contract yesterday, providing the club with a long-term alternative No 1. But the situation does not guarantee that Given will be allowed to depart after 11 and a half years at St James' Park.

The assistant manager, Chris Hughton, said yesterday that Given is one of two goalkeepers in the squad for tonight's match, but it is unlikely that he will be selected ahead of Harper. It is expected that Given will be on today's short flight south.

Michael Walker

Hammers make bid for Kovac

West Ham Sources in Moscow confirmed the club yesterday made a bid for Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac. The 29-year-old can play as either a centre-back or a holding midfielder, and has been linked with a £4m move to Celtic. Spartak anticipate further talks over the next couple of days. The club sold the midfielder Hayden Mullins to Portsmouth earlier this week and are also expected to sell central defender Calum Davenport before the transfer window shuts.

Jonathan Wilson

Jones's new deal ends Spurs link

Kenwyne Jones has ended speculation over his future by signing a new four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light yesterday. The 24-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international put pen to paper after Tottenham were told once and for all that the striker was not for sale. Sunderland manager, Ricky Sbragia, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Kenwyne has committed to the club for the long term. He's young with a great future ahead of him and has already proven himself to be a key player for us."

Galliani willing to pay fee to keep Beckham

AC Milan are willing to pay a fee for David Beckham, who is on a two-month loan at Milan, to remain at San Siro, but LA Galaxy have yet to agree, Adriano Galliani, Milan's chief executive, said yesterday. "If Beckham comes to an agreement with Galaxy, we are ready to pay a figure," Galliani said. "In the coming days we will meet his advisors. If Galaxy decide not to sell him, they won't sell him."

Wanderers face fight to secure Veloso move

Bolton target Miguel Veloso would consider leaving Sporting Lisbon but Wanderers may face competition from a number of other clubs. Though Bolton are talking with Sporting over a transfer, with a reported fee of £12m, others may yet enter the race. "It is important to notice that Bolton are not alone. Manchester City have already shown interest in him," Veloso's agent, Paulo Barbosa said.

Rumour mill: Tales from the web

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is looking to leave Stamford Bridge, with the 24-year-old's agent in discussions with Fiorentina. Tuttomercatoweb.com

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will strengthen his forward line in the summer, recruiting Reading's Kevin Doyle for £5m and bringing Eidur Gudjohnsen back to the Premier League from Barcelona. football-rumours.co.uk/p>

Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson will end his Eastlands struggles and join Tottenham in a £6.5m move this summer. football-rumours.co.uk

Cardiff hope to pip Celtic in the race to sign the highly-rated Manchester City forward Ched Evans. sportinglife.com

Milan's Marco Stolari to replace the departed Carlo Cudicini at Chelsea. tribalfootball.com