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Hart troubles

Manchester City transfer news: Pep Guardiola ready to replace keeper Joe Hart with Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo

England stopper finds his future in doubt after being dropped in the win against Sunderland

MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on Barcelona stopper Claudio Bravo which could spell an end to Joe Hart's time at the Etihad.

According to , City are in discussions with the 33-year-old having reached an agreement with the Spanish giants.

Claudio Bravo
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Barcelona's Claudio Bravo is thought to be closing on a move to Man CityCredit: Getty Images
Joe Hart was axed for the league clash against Sunderland
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Joe Hart was axed for the league clash against SunderlandCredit: Getty Images

Boss Pep Guardiola is thought to be in the market for a new No.1 having dropped Hart in the 2-1 victory over Sunderland.

It has plunged the England stopper's future into major doubt with Guardiola not confident in the 29-year-old's ability to use his feet and play from the back - a key requirement for the new City boss.

Willy Caballero stepped in ahead of Hart but looked nervous at times and nearly gifted Sunderland a goal after a loosely placed pass lead to a dangerous counter attack.

Bravo featured 32 times in La Liga last season
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Bravo featured 32 times in La Liga last seasonCredit: The Digital South Ltd
Pep Guardiola wants a ball-playing keeper at the Etihad
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Pep Guardiola has shown his ruthless side at CityCredit: PA:Press Association

Bravo could play most of the season as second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the Nou Camp although the Chile international was first choice in La Liga last campaign.

The veteran, who is much more suited to Guardiola's style of play, will bring a wealth of experience to Manchester including winning two league titles, a Champions League and featured in La Liga's Team of the Season two years ago.

Guardiola has already landed Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones but eyes a new keeper as the final piece of his jigsaw.

If City fail to land their man, they may turn their attentions to Portugal's Euro 2016 hero Rui Patricio.

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