The Irishman's lawyer Michael Kennedy last night revealed the 32-year-old reached the lowest point in his 11-year career on Tyneside after Sunday's 5-1 home defeat by Liverpool.

Kennedy's comments immediately sparked speculation that Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City would battle it out for the Republic of Ireland international's signature with the January transfer window now open.

However, Kinnear, claimed he had spoken to Given before training this morning and insisted he was happy and ready to play his part in tomorrow's FA Cup third-round trip to Hull.

Kinnear said: "I'm not sure of the facts that he [Kennedy] has said that or how it's been interpreted, but what I will say is Shay is contracted until 2011.

"He is our player and he is going to stay our player, it's as simple as that.

"We are not interested at all (in selling him). I want to be clear about that - that is probably the last time I will be talking about it.

"He is here, he is our player and he is going to stay our player.

"He is an integral part of the team, he is the best goalkeeper by miles in the league, so why should we jeopardise our chances in the position we are in?

"It wouldn't make sense, so as far as I am concerned, he is going to stay our player.

"He trained very well today and he will start tomorrow. He will definitely be in the team tomorrow.

"As far as I am concerned, I am going to keep every single player that we have got that I think can contribute to us staying in the Premier League. I am not going to weaken my chances.

"We are going to stay up, we are going to keep our players here and the fact is I am looking to add, it's as simple as that - and if I can add to it, we will be even better."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has since insisted he is not in the market for a goalkeeper and has made no approach for Given, although it remains to be seen whether or not Kinnear can persuade one of the club's most loyal servants that he can fulfil his ambitions at St James' Park.

Kennedy's comments certainly hinted that his patience was fast running out.

He said: "Shay is very despondent following the very poor performance of the team against Liverpool last weekend.

"It was the lowest point of his football career and a performance that he would not wish to be repeated.

"When he signed a new five-year contract in 2006 it was on the basis that the club would challenge for major honours, but on the present evidence all that he can see ahead with the turmoil on and off the pitch is a battle for survival.

"Having served the club loyally for over 11 years, Shay feels compelled to consider his position in the light of the interest being expressed in him by Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham."

Kinnear said the club had contacted Kennedy in an effort to get to the bottom of the matter.

He said: "His argument was that he was aware, through journalists, that these clubs were interested in Shay.

"Nobody has phoned me, no one has spoken to the club, nor do we want to invite anybody to phone the club."

The Given saga comes as Newcastle attempt to home in on their own transfer targets amid an injury crisis which could rob the manager of 10 senior players tomorrow.

Kinnear has been linked with a lengthy list of players, including Rangers duo Madjid Bougherra and Barry Ferguson - he admitted he was interested in one of the pair and it is understood it is the Algerian who is in his sights - but the market has proved difficult to date.

He said: "It's pretty tough because the players we wanted, their clubs are not at this moment in time prepared to let them go, the players I would like to get.

"We are umming and aahing at the moment. We have made offers, but the clubs are in a similar predicament to ourselves and don't seem to be too happy to let them go, so we will move on and chance our arm elsewhere."