"?Barcelona have confirmed that the club have agreed a deal with Manchester City for the transfer of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, nudging Joe Hart ever closer to an exit before the end of the transfer window.
Bravo had been linked with a move to the Etihad since it became obvious that Pep Guardiola lacked faith in Hart's ability between the sticks, with Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernández confirming that a move was close on Saturday evening.
FC Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernández: "We have the beginning of an agreement with Manchester City for Claudio Bravo" #FCBlive
Fernández also confirmed that the Spanish champions were looking to bring in another goalkeeper themselves to compete with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, saying:
"We have the beginning of an agreement with Manchester City for Claudio Bravo. We are awaiting events this week. When Claudio leaves, we hope to have a new keeper."
Ter Stegen and Bravo have shared roles at the Nou Camp over the last two seasons, with Bravo largely taking the gloves for the club's league, while the German has been relegated to the cup competitions, though he has been trusted with the club's Champions League campaigns.
When asked if he would allow Hart to leave if the England stopper asked, City boss Guardiola said: "Of course," adding "I want happiness for the players. I don't want players to stay here if they don't want.
Robert F. on Bravo and his replacement: "We are awaiting events this week. When Claudio leaves, we hope to have a new keeper"
"All the players have a contract. If they decide they want to stay they are going to stay, if they want to leave because they prefer to play every game "? I am not speaking about Joe, I am speaking about all the players "? I want to live, I want to work, I want to stay with the players who want to stay."?
He continued: "I was clear with him. I have a lot of respect about him as a person and a goalkeeper. But Willy is better, right now, in that position. It doesn't mean it is going to be like that in the future. So we have to decide. If he [Hart] stays here I want to help him."?
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