But that is misleading as Hart and his fellow goalkeepers were due to train on a separate pitch further away from cameras and Guardiola has insisted there was nothing untoward in their discussions.
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Regarding Bravo, Guardiola said: “So I can’t deny what everybody knows”. It’s the place I’d love to be but situations occur in football but we’re men and we get on with it.
Speculation a deal could be imminent has now increased after Bravo was pictured at the airport in Barcelona reportedly preparing to board a flight to Manchester.
The 33-year-old Bravo is set for a medical this week at the Etihad Stadium where he will team up again with Pep Guardiola, his former manager at Barca.
Sterling set the tone for City in last week’s first-leg 5-0 win in Bucharest, winning an early penalty (which Aguero squandered) and laying on goals for David Silva and Aguero, who scored a hat-trick. Barcelona were the first ones who announced contact with Manchester City but, sorry, the deal is not complete. “After that, I will be open to answer questions but, in this moment, he is not our player”.
The keeper made his first start of the season in the 1-0 Champions League victory over Steaua Bucharest after being dropped for City’s opening three matches of the season with backup Willy Caballero preferred.
The Chilean international’s arrival will leave Hart as third choice keeper at City and in desperate need of a new club before the transfer window shuts next week.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he has been “surprised” with how well his side have started the new season.
Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund have both shown interest and have Champions League to offer but neither can afford the wages, leaving Hart running out of time to find a suitable club. We are clear – him with me, I with him. I would like if everyone was happy with all the decisions I take but that’s impossible. I know he’s a legend for this club – one of the reasons this club is what it is is because of Joe. “No, a lot can happen”.
As a effect, Joe Hart looks set for the exit door, widely touted for a loan move with Everton strongly linked. It could be the end of their spending in the current window but, with doubts over Vincent Kompany’s long-term fitness, and despite the acquisition of John Stones, they might still be in the market for another centre-back.
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Even though City’s progress to the group stage appears to be a formality, Guardiola has told his players to see the job through tonight.
