SHAY Given’s position at Newcastle was hanging in the balance last night as managing director Derek Llambias met with the 32-year-old goalkeeper’s representatives to resolve his future.

Manchester City are eager to secure the Republic of Ireland international’s signature and are ready to match Newcastle’s £10m valuation for the player who has been at St James’ Park since 1997.

And while Joe Kinnear has expressed his reluctance to release the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, Given has made it clear he is ready for a new challenge away from Tyneside.

The No. 1 continues to command huge popularity amongst the fans, but Kinnear’s determination to retain his services seems likely to be overruled by the Newcastle board who are ready to accept City’s revised bid.

Whilst efforts continue to agree an exit deal satisfactory to all parties, Newcastle are poised to make significant breakthroughs in the transfer market with Kinnear hoping to complete a move for Toulouse full-back Albin Ebondo within 24 hours.

Interest in the 24-year-old first emerged earlier this month when Kinnear also confirmed that he was looking to recruit Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.

Kinnear claimed Newcastle had tabled a £5m bid for the 22- year-old Cameroon international, although that is believed to have been rejected.

But the manager is more upbeat about the prospect of landing Ebondo who will fill the right back vacancy created by Habib Beye’s knee injury which is expected to keep him sidelined for ten weeks.

Kinnear said: “Talks have been going very well regarding Albin and we are working hard to make sure he comes to Newcastle.

“A team from Newcastle has been over there talking to the club and the player and we’re confident he’ll be here this week.

“We’ll work right until the final minute of the final day of the window to bring in the players we want.”

Newcastle have also been linked with a £4m bid for Celtic captain Stephen Mc- Manus with Jose Enrique making the move to the Glasgow club as part of the deal.

■ Kinnear has strengthened his coaching team after securing the services of former Northampton and Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood until the end of the season.

The 44-year-old Scot was at the club’s training headquarters yesterday working alongside assistant manager Chris Hughton as Newcastle prepare for tomorrow night’s trip to Manchester City.