Pep Guardiola is extremely close to completing a deal for Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo if reports in Spain are to believed. Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo stated that the deal was almost done on Monday and now word has emerged from another Spanish newspaper, Sport, that the Spanish club have accepted a bid of €25 million from Manchester City. The Chilean keeper is set to fly out to England to complete the deal before Thursday but will return to Spain for Barcelona’s opening football game against Real Betis due to an injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
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After Marc-Andre ter Stegen won the battle for the no.1 spot, Bravo has reportedly been open to moves away from Spain. The Spanish club have also opened talks with Valencia over a possible move for Diego Alves as a replacement for Bravo.
The arrival of Bravo implies that the end is near for Joe Hart. Hart has made close to 350 appearances for the Sky Blues and had a pretty decent 2015/16 Premier League campaign. After a disastrous Euro 2016 though, questions have been raised over the 29-year old’s abilities. The England international goalkeeper was left out of Guardiola’s side that beat Sunderland on opening day and Hart is said to be disillusioned with life at the Etihad.
Guardiola said of the decision to leave Hart out of the line-up: "I'm pretty sure he's not happy. A lot of players were not on the list. All the players that didn't play, they are sad they are absent, of course. I would not like them to be happy that they did not play. I'm sorry but I have to decide. We have 28 players and a lot of players injured like [Ilkay] Gundogan, like Samir like many, many players. They have to convince me on the pitch - it's the only way."
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According to reports from leading English newspapers, Everton and Sevilla have shown interest in the 29-year-old. The Toffees are keen on roping in the England no.1 on a season-long loan while UEFA Europa League winners Sevilla are interested in a permanent deal.
Barcelona kick off their season against Real Betis this Saturday. For a list of opening match day fixtures, click here.
