Hull City: Aston Villa goalkeeper on Tigers radar

Tigers manager Steve Bruce has enquired about taking the 36-year-old stopper to the KC Stadium on a short-term deal.

Given has been forced to settle for a place on the bench for the past two-and-a-half months after losing his Premier League spot to Brad Guzan.

But Lambert is unwilling to let the Irish veteran leave on a temporary basis because he believes Villa need him to provide cover.

Hull, who have previously loaned Guzan from Villa, wanted to do a short-term deal for Given to boost a goalkeeping department including Ben Amos and Eldin Jakupovic.

But with a busy festive schedule coming up, Lambert, who also has veteran Andy Marshall and rookie Benji Siegrist at his disposal, was unwilling to agree to the move.

Boss Paul Lambert said: “That is the problem if you’re a goalkeeper, there is only one place for you and another guy to compete for.

“But you are never too far from being thrown back in. Injuries can happen. This football club’s got two excellent goalkeepers.”

Hull have also been linked with a move for Norweigan international keeper Rune Almenning Jarstein, who has revealed his desire to move to the KC Stadium, likely to be in January.

On a possible move to Hull, who are believed to have had an initial offer rejected, Jarstein said: “Hull would be a fantastic option that I am keen on. I still hope and believe that it will be sorted out.”