Albion consider bid for Shay Given

Albion are considering an ambitious bid to sign Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given from Manchester City.

The Baggies have added the 35-year-old to their list of potential summer signings but they are likely to face competition from a host of rival clubs.

Boss Roy Hodgson, who was keen to take Given to Fulham 18 months ago, is plotting a major overhaul of his goalkeeping department this summer with previous first-choice Scott Carson increasingly likely to leave.

And Hodgson is ready to throw Albion's hat into the ring in the battle for Given should the former Newcastle man negotiate an exit from Eastlands, where he is tired of playing second fiddle to England No 1 Joe Hart.

However, any move would face a host of potential obstacles, not least the massive cost on wages for a man who, just a year ago, was the senior goalkeeper at the world's richest club.

Given has a year remaining on his City contract but is set for talks with the club's hierarchy later this month in a bid to clarify his future.

Any move away would require Given to accept a drop in wages, City to agree a settlement on the remainder of his contract or Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini to sanction a loan move with his club continuing to contribute to the player's wages.

Bigger-spending clubs than the Baggies are likely to enter the race but Hawthorns goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely knows Given well from their time together in the Ireland set-up.

City are also unlikely to allow a move to one of their rivals at the top of the Premier League.