Barca announced on Saturday that an agreement was in place with City to sell Bravo, who has been their first choice since he joined from Real Sociedad in 2014, with a medical and the finalisation of personal terms yet to come.
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Guardiola’s desire to sign Bravo has cast doubt on the future of England number one Hart, who Sky sources understand is now nearly certain to leave the club before the deadline.
The national paper claims that the Toffees have baulked at the £7m fee it would cost to bring the 29-year-old in on a temporary basis. Everton had opened talks with their Premier League rivals over a potential deal, but have now chose to withdraw their interest, and are likely stick with Maarten Stekelenburg as their main man between the sticks.
Blues boss Pep Guardiola has identified Bravo as his No.1 for the coming season after deciding Joe Hart has no future at the club.
His impressive form has made Everton decide that the outlay of covering Hart’s £135k-a-week wage is not a worthwhile expense, and they will instead concentrate on other targets.
Claudio Bravo, the Barcelona goalkeeper, will land in England this afternoon before finalising a £17 million transfer to Manchester City, effectively signalling the end of Joe Hart’s career at the club. Barca confirmed at the weekend that the Chilean was the subject of negotiations, and a deal will be completely swiftly.
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As soon as that deal is over the line, Barcelona will give the green light for Bravo to become a Manchester City player. We are awaiting events this week.
