Manchester City Transfer News: Latest on Joe Hart and Claudio Bravo Rumours

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is said to have major concerns about his future at the club, with personal terms reportedly agreed between Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo and the Etihad Stadium outfit.

According to James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph, after being left out of the XI to face Sunderland on Saturday, Hart "fears his 10-year Manchester City career is over and that there is no way back for him under Pep Guardiola."

Additionally, Mundo Deportivo (h/t Luke Augustus of the MailOnline) has stated City are close to agreeing a deal for Bravo. It’s suggested that City could pay around £21 million to land the 33-year-old Chile captain from Barcelona.

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Bravo has been one of the understated cogs in Barcelona’s recent success, joining from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2014 and excelling in La Liga.

Here is a look at why City are said to be keen on getting him in:

New manager Guardiola does have a unique way of playing. The illustrious coach demands that all members of his squad, including the goalkeeper, are technically proficient, able to take the ball in difficult positions, show composure and keep possession.

Those are traits that Bravo has shown consistently throughout his career, and while Barcelona are not as possession-obsessed as they were under Guardiola, his ability to get the play moving quickly is an asset. Hart, for all his talents as a goalkeeper, isn’t quite so comfortable when it comes to distribution.

Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones thinks the former City No. 1 will leave as a result, with Sevilla noted as potential suitors:

Indeed, according to Ducker, Everton are also in the hunt, as they seek to bolster their options between the sticks at Goodison Park.

While Hart may not be to Guardiola’s taste, he’s been vital during the club's recent rise. The goalkeeper has been a solid presence at the base of the team’s two title wins, producing crucial saves and showing excellent leadership skills throughout his time at the Etihad.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Hart’s stock is arguably as low as it has been for a while, though. The goalkeeper endured a torrid summer with England at the UEFA European Championship, making some costly errors for the Three Lions. Losing his spot to Willy Caballero at City is another major blow for the 29-year-old.

Bravo is a ‘keeper who’s fast off his line and calm with the ball at this feet. Football journalist Rafael Hernandez noted the merits of having someone like him at the base of the team:

Guardiola was never going to waste any time in integrating his own ethos into his new club, and evidently, he’s taken a ruthless look at Hart. Having been benched so quickly, the future certainly looks glum for the England man in Manchester, and at this juncture, a move away seems to be the best option for all parties.

Bravo may not be a long-term answer in goal for City, although he would be at ease with the manner in which Guardiola wants to play. The club would miss Hart’s authority, shot-stopping and Premier League experience if he were to be sold. However, big-name casualties were inevitable as the new boss ushers in a new set of mantras.