While City landed Given, Sunderland signed Tal Ben Haim on loan from the Eastlands club until the end of the season and Portsmouth confirmed the acquisition of Theofanis Gekas on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last night.

But today is likely to be even busier, with Andrei Arshavin’s proposed move to Arsenal set to attract the most attention.

The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker is reportedly heading to the Emirates for a medical – though the clubs are not thought to have agreed a fee yet.

Given last night revealed the prospect of “going places” with City persuaded him to move from Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland international has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at Eastlands after successfully undergoing a medical earlier today while his former side took on Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.

The 32-year-old made more than 450 appearances for Newcastle since joining them in 1997.

“It’s exciting times at Manchester City with the new owners and this manager,” Given told the club’s website, mcfc.co.uk.

“There are big plans for the club. I am very excited to be joining and delighted that Manchester City wanted my services. I’m happy that the two clubs could come to an agreement.

“I have two young kids, I had just moved house in Newcastle and there were a few things that could have made me stay there.

“I have a lot of friends there and the supporters are fantastic. They have been great to me for so many years and I thank them for that.

“But I just felt that this was an opportunity for me to come to a club that, in my opinion, is really going to be going places.”

In other business, Ben Haim joined Sunderland on a deal until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old Israel international completed his switch to the Stadium of Light tonight, just hours after Ricky Sbragia’s side drew 1-1 in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle.

Ben Haim, who started his career in England at Sbragia’s former club Bolton before moving to Chelsea in July 2007 on a free transfer after rejecting the chance to join Sam Allardyce at Newcastle, has been drafted in to bolster the club’s defensive resources.

Sbragia told Sunderland’s website, www.safc.com: “It’s a position we have been short in so I’m delighted that Tal has joined us.

“I know all about him from his days at Bolton. He’s got a lot of top-flight experience and he will be a great addition to our squad.”

Portsmouth signed Gekas on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

The move is subject to the 28-year-old receiving international clearance, but boss Tony Adams believes Gekas can quickly adapt to life in the Premier League.

“His goalscoring record is fantastic and he’s always looking to score goals,” Adams said.

“He plays for the Greek national team and recently came on against Italy and scored.

“A couple of years ago he was the highest scorer in the Bundesliga. The Bundesliga is a fantastic league, so that’s not an easy feat.

“He’s a player that I think can come in and do really well straight away. He’s certainly hungry to do well and hopefully he can hit the ground running.”

Pompey also revealed last night they had turned down a bid for Sean Davis from another Barclays Premier League club.