Hart set for final Man City appearance against Steaua

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Joe Hart will start in goal for Manchester City tonight in the second leg of the Champions League qualification match against Steaua Bucharest at the Etihad tonight, in what stands to be his last appearance for the club.

Hart has not made a competitive appearance for the Citizens since Pep Guardiola took over from Manuel Pellegrini as manager, having been dropped in favour of Willy Caballero for the first two Premier League games of the season as well as the first leg against Steaua.

The reason behind Hart’s dropping is said to be his inability to play the sweeper-keeper role that Guardiola demands of his goalkeepers, as well as a lack of passing ability.

City are reportedly on the verge of sealing a €20 million move to sign 33-year-old Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo from Barcelona.

Bravo’s arrival will likely signal the end of Hart’s time as a City player, with Everton linked with a move for the 29-year-old.

Barcelona are hoping to sign Ajax’s Netherlands international stopper Jasper Cillessen as a replacement for Bravo in a €16 million deal. Once that transfer is completed, Bravo will likely be able to put pen to paper on his contract with City.

Guardiola has already made a host of high profile signings this summer, highlighted by the acquisitions of Leroy Sané, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito and John Stones.