Tuesday 23 August 2016 21:42, UK
Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has arrived in Manchester to finalise his move to Pep Guardiola's City.
It was initially thought the transfer would not be processed until Thursday but the Chile international is now in Manchester ahead of a medical and a finalisation of personal terms.
Asked about the potential deal on Tuesday, City boss Guardiola did not refute the suggestion that it was in the pipeline, but would not be drawn further.
"I cannot deny what everyone knows," said Guardiola.
"I am sorry guys. When the deal is complete or not complete, after I will be open to answer about one player. At the moment, he is not our player."
Barcelona have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Jasper Cillessen, according to Sky sources, paving the way for Bravo to swap the Nou Camp for the Etihad and trigger Joe Hart's exit from City.
The Spanish club announced on Saturday that an agreement was in place with City for the transfer of Bravo, who has been their first choice since he joined from Real Sociedad in 2014.
Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague also reported on Friday the clubs had agreed a fee of around £17m and Bravo's family were telling friends they were moving to Manchester.
Guardiola's desire to sign Bravo has cast doubt on the future of England No 1 Hart, whom Sky sources understand is now almost certain to leave the club before the deadline.
Everton, Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund have all expressed an interest, and Hart is open to a move abroad, having told the club he wants to end his 10-year spell at the Etihad.
Hart has been left on the bench for City's opening Premier League matches of the season, with Guardiola preferring Willy Caballero for victories over Sunderland and Stoke City, and the new manager said on Friday that Hart is free to leave if he wishes.
Guardiola revealed that Hart had been told he must learn a new tactical role as goalkeeper if he hoped to break into his team and would be given the chance to do so while playing second fiddle to Caballero.
Guardiola wants his goalkeeper to play an instrumental role in the team's build-up play. Hart has made only 562 short passes over the past three seasons, while Guardiola's previous 'keeper at Bayern Munich, Manuel Neuer, made 2,077 in the same period.
