Newcastle United remain in new contract talks with goalkeeper Steve Harper.

Harper's current deal expires in June and he could be handed No1 status if Shay Given is sold to Manchester City this month.

Harper, himself, is a target for Tottenham and Toon boss Joe Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle: "I didn't expect to have so many players injured.

"And I didn't expect to be fighting off so many other clubs to keep our players.

"I don't want to say more than that on the subject but these are difficult times."