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Hart of Steel

Manchester City keep the faith with Joe Hart as Pep Guardiola decides not to buy a new goalkeeper this summer

New boss had been linked with Barcelona pair Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen but will keep Hart as No.1 instead

Joe Hart will remain as Man City's first choice keeper this summer

MANCHESTER CITY have handed Joe Hart a major boost by ruling out a move for a new senior goalkeeper this summer.

The England number one endured a nightmare Euro 2016 and has seen his club linked with various stoppers from around the world.

 

 Joe Hart will remain as Man City's first choice keeper this summer
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Joe Hart will remain as Man City's first choice keeper this summerCredit: Reuters
 The Englishman's place was under threat after a poor Euro 2016 campaign
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The Englishman's place was under threat after a poor Euro 2016 campaignCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen claimed this week the Etihad was a possible destination for him.

Meanwhile there have also been reports they are looking to sign his Nou Camp team-mate Claudio Bravo and Portuguese Rui Patricio.

However Pep Guardiola hinted last month he would start the season with the long-serving former Shrewsbury man between the sticks.

 Barcelona ace Marc-Andre ter Stegen was being lined up for an Etihad move
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Barcelona ace Marc-Andre ter Stegen was being lined up for an Etihad moveCredit: PA:Press Association
 Pep Guardiola feels Hart is competent enough to play as a sweeper-keeper
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Pep Guardiola feels Hart is competent enough to play as a sweeper-keeperCredit: Getty Images

And Etihad sources say there are no plans for them to bring in another goalie - meaning Hart and Willy Caballero will be the two choices for the new boss.

Both were being given intensive kicking practice during City's pre-season tour of China to improve their distribution.

Guardiola used Manuel Neuer as a 'sweeper keeper' during his time in charge of Bayern Munich - and wants his goalies to be comfortable on the ball.

 Willy Caballero will continue as back-up for City
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Willy Caballero will continue as back-up for CityCredit: EPA
 Argentine youngster Geronimo Rulli is set to sign before going out on loan
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Argentine youngster Geronimo Rulli is set to sign before going out on loanCredit: Action Images

Hart is important to the club on and off the field having spent almost a decade there and will be given every chance to prove he can do the job in this new era.

City are looking to bring in Real Sociedad's young Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli but he is likely to stay out on loan this season at least.

The chances are that Everton ace John Stones would be the last major arrival of the summer if they can thrash out a deal with the Toffees.

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