Manchester City Transfer News: Joe Hart in Everton Talks, Claudio Bravo Rumours

Everton are reportedly set to clinch the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan, as the Etihad Stadium club edge closer to landing Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo.

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, the Toffees have opened talks with Hart’s representatives about a temporary switch. “Hart wants to stay in the Premier League, which has put Everton in pole position with Sevilla also keen on the England 'keeper,” the piece continued.

It’s stated by Cross that once City complete the capture of Bravo from Barcelona, manager Pep Guardiola will sanction the 29-year-old’s move to Goodison Park.

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Guardiola’s first two competitive games in charge of City have seen Hart on the substitutes' bench, with Willy Caballero preferred between the sticks. The Englishman’s inconsistent distribution skills are thought to be behind the manager’s decision, an area in which Bravo has excelled for Barcelona and Chile.

Here is a glimpse at what the Manchester crowd can expect from their new goalkeeper should this deal go through:

There will be an excitement about what Bravo can bring to the Etihad. Already Guardiola has drilled his philosophy into the City players, and a goalkeeper who’s sharp on the ball and adept at reading danger is a key part of his blueprint; they’re traits that have made the 33-year-old such a key figure at Barca.

Indeed, per football journalist Rafael Hernandez, the Chilean has enjoyed plenty of success since making the switch to Catalonia:

The anticipation of a player like Bravo coming in will be offset by the disappointment at Hart departing for many City fans, though. After all, he’s been a vital part of the side’s spine during the most successful spell in the club’s history.

Hart was between the sticks for both of City’s Premier League title wins in 2012 and 2014, and he made some outstanding saves to keep them in the hunt in both campaigns. He shares an obvious affinity with the Etihad crowd, too.

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It’s a situation from which Everton look likely to gain. Per Cross, Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has made it clear that he’s looking for a new goalkeeper, and while Maarten Stekelenburg enjoyed an impressive debut, Hart would be a big upgrade on the club’s current options.

As noted here by Bleacher Report UK, Juventus and Italy’s legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon rates the City man highly:

Hart’s days seem to be numbered at the Etihad, and while it’d be admirable for him to stay and fight for his place, he’d be a long way down the pecking order if Bravo came in.

In what should be the peak years of Hart's career, playing regular football and remaining in the reckoning for an international spot should be his priority.

A loan to Everton seems like an ideal move for all parties. The Toffees would be bolstered in a key area, Hart wouldn’t have to relocate while assessing his future, and City—who the Merseysiders will not compete with for the title—will provide an improving side with a player who will help take points off their rivals.