Tottenham and Arsenal in battle for Shay Given

After season-long speculation over Shay Given's future at Manchester City, both Tottenham and Arsenal have come out of the pack of clubs as the frontrunners for his signature.

It's been a season to forget for the Ireland No 1 as he spent the majority of his time wrapped up on the bench while Roberto Mancini favoured England international Joe Hart.

An Eastlands exit has been on the cards for Given since January and now sources say Given could arrive in London for a cut-price fee of around £7million.

The Donegal native has been previously linked with loan moves to Celtic and a number of Italian clubs but returning to first team football in the Premier League should prove far too tempting to refuse.

While the form of Polish youngster Wojciech Szcz?sny has been encouraging for Arsenal, manager Arsene Wenger is still not entirely happy with his goalkeeping options, having brought Jens Lehmann out of retirement for the latter months of last season.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have endured a tumultuous time with the erratic Heurelho Gomes between the sticks, and manager Harry Redknapp could be tempted to unload some of his bottomless pit of cash on Given this summer.

One thing is certain: with four vital Euro 2012 qualifiers within the first two months of next season, Ireland needs a match-fit and match-sharp Shay Given.