Manchester city manager Pep Guardiola has said he "cannot deny" that Barcelona goalkeeper
Claudio Bravo is close to a move to Manchester City but refused to
discuss the player until the transfer is completBarcelona have already confirmed they have agreed a deal in principle to sell Bravo to City and the Chile international was reportedly flying to Manchester on Tuesday to complete a £17 million move.
The
33-year-old will not be able to play in City's Champions League playoff
second leg against Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday night but a deal could
be concluded in time for him to make his debut against West Ham United
on Sunday.
Guardiola, though, said he would not comment on the signing until it was officially completed.
He
told a news conference: "I cannot deny what everyone knows, Barcelona
was the first -- one week or 10 days ago -- who announced the contact
with Manchester City.
"But, I'm sorry guys, until a deal is
complete or not complete, I will be open to answer questions about one
player but until that moment he is not our player."
Costa's
transfer would further call into question the future of England keeper
Joe Hart, who has not started any of City's opening three games this
season, with Willy Caballero preferred.
However, Guardiola said he
has the chance of being recalled to his starting lineup for Steaua in
what could be his final game for the club, with Everton and Sevilla
linked with a move for the 29-year-old.
"Yes, he has a chance to play tomorrow," Guardiola added. "I don't know [if it will be Hart's last game for City].
"Until
Aug. 31, all the players here are my players, and I will work with them
like there is no end, so after that we can speak about everything.
"The situation with Joe I spoke about in the last two press conferences. I am not able to speak about negotiations."
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