Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful of persuading Manchester City to allow him to sign goalkeeper Shay Given this week. Arsenal have been in need of a new goalkeeper for at least a year and that need was highlighted again in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

Manuel Almunia was again given the gloves - and the captain's armband - at Anfield but again the Spaniard produced a shaky performance and should have done better when David Ngog gave Liverpool the lead.

Given was surprisingly left on the bench as City drew at Tottenham but manager Roberto Mancini's decision was justified as England stopper Joe Hart produced an inspired performance.

Hart now looks set to have an extended run in the side which casts serious doubt over Given's future.

Just last week the Republic of Ireland man said: "I hope I'll play and I'm looking forward to the new season. But if that's not the case then I'll have to speak to the club next week and then decide what the next step is.

"I haven't joined Manchester City to sit on the bench.

"I haven't gone there to take it easy and put my feet up. If that's not the case, I suppose I'll sit down on Monday with the club and see where I can go after that.

"I wouldn't say I'd be happy enough to sit on the bench all season and watch the guys play. I'm 34 and you cherish every year, every game really and you don't want to miss any football so, for me, it's very important that I play football.

"It doesn't matter how old you are or what you've done or haven't done, you just want to play in every game. That's the bottom line for me."