Shay Given will return to Aston Villa at the end of February after failing to secure an extension to his current loan deal with Middlesbrough, according to a report.
The former Republic of Ireland international had joined the Teesiders in late November on an initial one-month emergency contract, which was extended by a further two months and is due to expire at the end of this month, but Boro were unable to reach an agreement.
According to The Gazette, the stumbling block was Given's wages – believed to be in the region of £50,000 per week – that Middlesbrough would struggle to pay even a percentage of.
However, the North-East club do have an option to sign another keeper when the emergency loan window opens next week, and Jason Steele may have recovered by the time former Newcastle shot-stopper returns to the Midlands.
Given was in goal for Middlesbrough's 0-0 draw at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
