Former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd says selling Shay Given would be a massive mistake.

Shepherd said: "I am only a fan now but like all Newcastle fans I will be distraught if Shay is allowed to leave.

"He is the heartbeat of the team both on the field and in the dressing room and the loss would be tremendous.

"Newcastle fans can only hope that the people who are running the club now realise this.

"As far as signings in the past 15 years go at Newcastle United, pound for pound Shay is second only to Alan Shearer."