LONDON // Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has arrived in England to conclude a move to Manchester City, a deal that is likely to trigger the departure of England goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Bravo is set for a medical this week at the Etihad Stadium where he will team up with manager Pep Guardiola.
Pictures on social media on Tuesday showed the Chile international at Manchester airport. Barcelona said Saturday that the club had a “deal in principle” with City for the 33-year-old Chilean.
Guardiola confirmed Bravo’s imminent arrival when asked about him at a news conference on Tuesday, saying: “I cannot deny what everyone knows.”
See also:
• World Cup 2018: Manchester City's Joe Hart will travel with England for Slovakia qualifier
• Pep Guardiola admits Joe Hart can leave Man City: 'Yes, of course – I want happiness for the players'
Argentine Willy Caballero has been preferred to Hart in City’s three games this season but England’s No 1 could yet feature in Wednesday’s Uefa Champions League play-off second leg against Steaua Bucharest.
“Yes, he has a chance to play,” Guardiola said. “I have an excellent relationship with Joe, him with me.”
City go into the second leg holding a commanding 5-0 lead over Steaua.
Hart’s transformation from City’s No 1 for eight seasons to second, and possibly, third choice represents a remarkable turnaround for the 28-year-old Englishman.
He has made 266 appearances for the club and been a mainstay of their rise to become one of England’s major forces.
Guardiola is determined to start moves at the back with a goalkeeper who is "able to play with the ball" and has explained that Hart is free to leave if he is unhappy.
“I spoke with Joe from the first moment we met,” Guardiola said. “I try to be clear with my players and I was clear with him.
“The first thing I am looking for from the goalkeeper is to save. After that he has to be able to help us to create a good build-up. That is why I am here.”
In six seasons at his previous clubs Barca and Bayern Munich, Guardiola’s keepers Victor Valdes and Manuel Neuer had the highest passing accuracy rates of any in their respective leagues.
Hart may also face a battle to re-establish his international career although new manager Sam Allardyce has said that he will name him on Sunday in his first squad for next month's World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.
* Reuters
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