Quality players going to waste.

There are two transfer rumours that have really stood out in the last few days. Unsurprisingly they invlove Manchester City, surprisingly they involve players LEAVING the club. The two players in question are Craig Bellamy and Shay Given.

Bellamy has been vocal in his criticism of the club and his desire to leave. The Welshman has the ability to change a game and he is a fantastic player. He was exceptional in City's 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford last season scoring twice. His attitude has always been a problem and it's not surprising that his days at City are numbered. What is questionable is the potential destination of the 31 year old, Cardiff City. Bellamy has always desired to play for his boyhood heroes but with interest from Spurs and Fulham it would be a major shock if he left for Cardiff. Bellamy still has a few years left in him and it would be a waste of the Wales captain's ability should he drop down to the Championship.

After Joe Hart's match saving performance on Saturday it seems Shay Given's City career is also over. It is hard to believe that one of the Premiership's most consistent and faultless performers could be demoted to second choice, especially given that the Irishman has been seen by many to be the league's best stopper. Arsenal are muted as suitors but Fulham's Mark Schwarzer looks almost certain to move to the Emirates. The other club mentioned to have an interest, Celtic. At 34 Given is still in his peak year as a keeper and he would be a huge asset to them. However as with Bellamy it would simply be a waste. Perhaps it's cynical to accuse the Championship and the SPL unwothrty of having players of Bellamy and Given's calibre but the two could walk into the majority of the 20 Premiership sides starting 11's.

The situation with these two players shows that City's incessant spending is starting to unsettle the squad. With Stephen Ireland also likely to leave many fans will watch with interest to see if any other personalities should join them and more importantly how it affects the harmony of the squad in the long run.