Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni claims there are clubs in Italy interested in signing Manchester City’s out-of-favour goalkeeper Shay Given.
The 34-year-old is expected to seek a move away from City during the January transfer window after losing his first-team place to Joe Hart this season.
Newcastle United have played down reports of a move to re-sign Given and a winter to switch to Serie A has been suggested.
Trapattoni, Given’s international coach, has confirmed the keeper is highly rated in Serie A and has discussed the situation with clubs in his homeland.
“We have already, myself and Marco (Tardelli), spoken with some Italian teams,” said Trapattoni in the Irish Independent.
“In Italy, he is kept in high regard by many. But the goalkeeper is a difficult position.
“There is interest in them, and we have one or two teams who have goalkeepers inferior to them.
“But there are many situations in Italy, like in England. We can only inform them. We cannot force it.
“If he has the opportunity, maybe he will ask to leave City.”
