BRADFORD keeper Matt Clarke has issued a "come and get me'' plea to Newcastle.

The Magpies were this week rocked by Shay Given's shock transfer request.

And £2.5m-rated Clarke would jump at the chance to take his place if Newcastle agree to off-load the Republic of Ireland international.

Clarke, ousted as first choice at Valley Parade a month ago by former Middlesbrough keeper Gary Walsh, is dissatisfied with his £3,000-a-week pay deal.

The 27-year-old also has understandable fears that the rock-bottom Bantams are bound for a return to the First Division.

His agent, Ian Elliott, yesterday confirmed: "Matt is uncomfortable with the Bradford situation. He's upset that they say he lost his place due to a lack of form. The fact is they are trying to sell him because they won't give him the money he wants, even though he's one of the lowest-paid players at the club.''

Clarke has been watched by Newcastle on numerous occasions, and Elliott added: "He would be interested in a move to Newcastle because they are such a big club, and he would not be frustrated if he had to compete with Steve Harper for a place.''

Given slapped in his written transfer demand after failing to regain his place from Harper following a thigh injury.

Celtic, where Given started his career as a trainee, are understood to be keeping a watchful eye on the latest developments.

Meanwhile, Wayne Quinn is ready to launch his bid to win a permanent move to Tyneside.

The Sheffield United left wing-back has begun a month's loan and declared: "I haven't got long, so it's up to me to make the most of it.

"It goes without saying that I would love to come here on a permanent basis. One of my big disappointments is that Alan Shearer is unlikely to play while I'm here on loan.

"That's another reason why I would like to make the move permanent. I would like to play with the likes of Shearer every week.''

Quinn, who starred for the Blades in their FA Cup semi-final with Newcastle three seasons ago, came close to joining the Geordies soon afterwards.

He recalled: "I knew Kenny Dalglish was in for me, but the move fell through because there was talk about a problem with my knee.

"All I could do was go back to Sheffield United and play as many games as I could, and that's what I've done. Now that I'm here, I know Bobby Robson will give me a fair crack of the whip.''

Robson moved for Quinn to plug the gap left by AWOL Frenchman Didier Domi.

Newcastle are still talking to Wimbledon in the hope of agreeing a deal for striker Marcus Gayle.

The Magpies have offered £1.5m for the Jamaican international, but the Dons are holding out for more than twice that amount.