SHAY GIVEN and Charles N'Zogbia have been left behind on Tyneside for tonight's Premier League clash at Manchester City, fuelling suggestions they will be sold.

Given, in particular, is the subject of serious interest from City and talks between the two clubs were scheduled for tonight in an attempt to thrash out the player's future.

The Newcastle goalkeeper, who the club claim has a knee injury, is likely to be sold before the transfer window closes provided the £10m valuation is met.

And the absence of N'Zogbia, who apparently has an ankle complaint, has led to claims that the Frenchman is also available.

The skilful winger fought at the training ground with local academy product Andy Carroll - who is in tonight's team - last week and interestingly has stayed behind in the North-East.

City's Brazilian forward Robinho, meanwhile, starts alongside former Magpie Craig Bellamy.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Richards, Onuoha, Bridge; Wright-Phillips, De Jong, Kompany, Ireland; Robinho, Bellamy. Subs: Schmeichel, Vassell, Jo, Elano, Garrido, Gelson, Caicedo.

NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-4-2): Harper; Edgar, Taylor, Bassong, Enrique; Geremi, Barton, Coloccini, Duff; Owen, Carroll. Subs: Gutierrez, Xisco, Lovenkrands, Forster, LuaLua, Donaldson, Inman.