Given: United don’t need to worry about keepers’ credentials

FORMER Newcastle United shotstopper Shay Given insists the Magpies have plenty of Premier League talent in the goalkeeping department.

Rafa Benitez is believed to be keen on signing a new goalkeeper for their top-flight return, which could mean some big names will need to leave.

United have been linked with a move for Napoli’s Pepe Reina, who worked with Benitez at Liverpool.

Matz Sels is set for a loan move next season with Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Tim Krul battling it out for the No 1 spot.

Youngster Freddie Woodman may also face another season out on loan after impressing at Kilmarnock.

Stoke City’s Given, who many consider United’s best goalkeeper of the Premier League era, feels this summer will be an interesting one on Tyneside.

He said: “Pepe Reina has a relationship with Rafa Benitez, so you can see the link there.

“Newcastle have got four or five goalkeepers who can play in the Premier League.

“There is talk of them (Newcastle) having X amount of pounds to spend in the summer and a lot of players coming in.

“Mangala has been linked with a move to Newcastle and I think it will be an interesting summer up there.”

A lot depends on how much Benitez is given to spend, with owner Mike Ashley pledging a sizeable transfer kitty following promotion.

Given added: “It will be interesting to see if Mike Ashley backs Rafa Benitez and they go heavy in the transfer market because they need to strengthen and to stay in the Premier League.”