Shay Given Update: Should Join Aston Villa Today

Shay Given has successfully completed his medical and finalized the personal terms in his agreement with Aston Villa, with £3.5m going to Manchester City in return for the goalkeeper. That's probably the amount of change that can be found in Sheikh Mansour's couch cushions, but hey, they can't expect a Corinthians-type bid for a 35 year old keeper who played something like three games last season.

Now all that's left is to hand the Irishman the number 1 shirt (speaking of, have we seen the new keeper kits from Nike? Are they as atrocious as last season's? Can we have a new kitmaker yet?) and snap a few photos of the Villa's first signing under Alex McLeish. No complaints here: Given is steady in front of net and, provided that his shoulder -- which was operated on back in February, with Given out for three months -- holds up, should be an adequate replacement for Brad Friedel.

His accent's nicer, anyway.