Joe Hart could move to Serie A before the transfer window closes, with the Daily Mail reporting that Torino have enquired about completing a move for the England goalkeeper, who seems unlikely to reclaim his place at City.
The former first-choice was dropped by Pep Guardiola for the season opener against Sunderland, and has played just one game in the five matches so far this year – starting the home leg of the tie against Steaua Bucharest, with City already 5-0 up from the game in Romania.
Claudio Bravo also completed a move to the Etihad from Barcelona, and is likely to take his place between the sticks for the first time in the derby at Old Trafford immediately after the international break. This signing has left Joe Hart in limbo, with him keen to finalise a loan move away from City before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Torino are one of the sides eager to complete a move for him, but it would represent a significant step down for a man who has won four Golden Gloves with Manchester City, as well as two Premier League titles after overtaking Shay Given in the pecking order six years ago.
Indeed, many of the clubs who have shown an interest in Hart are a step down for the 29-year-old. Sunderland are one of those showing the keenest intentions after Vito Mannone picked up a three-month elbow injury, but their manager expects them to be in the relegation dogfight again this year, which is likely to make Hart reject a move.
Any deal to take the goalkeeper away from Eastlands would see City paying the majority of his £6.75 million salary, which would be too much for most of the clubs who’ve earmarked him as a potential signing.
Several clubs have ruled out making moves so far this summer, including new Everton boss Ronald Koeman, who took Maarten Stekelenburg to Goodison Park with him after having the Dutchman on the books at Southampton last season. Most clubs who needed to make a signing at the back this summer, like Liverpool, did so early in the window, limiting Hart’s options somewhat.
Hart is thought to be open to a move abroad, and may have to switch leagues in order to earn games. Should a suitor fail to come in for him, he won’t be frozen out at City, but will have to challenge Angus Gunn and Willy Caballero for a spot on the bench behind Claudio Bravo.
