Given was overlooked in favour of Joe Hart for City's opening Premier League game of the season at the weekend and the England keeper impressed in the 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur. City boss Mancini insisted after the match at White Hart Lane that his decision to select Hart did not mean Given was now his second choice. However, prior to the start of the campaign, Given revealed he would seek talks with Mancini regarding his future if he was on the bench against Spurs. The Republic of Ireland has admitted he would be open to a loan move away from City and has been linked with title rivals Arsenal and SPL giants Celtic. Mancini did not disclose whether he had discussed the situation further with Given, but acknowledged he would be prepared to let the 34-year-old leave. "I hope he will stay with us because we are in four competitions," said Mancini. "But I respect his wishes if he wants to leave."
