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Claudio Bravo has qualities essential for Pep Guardiola, says Guillem Balague

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Sky Sports' Spanish football analyst Guillem Balague says there is a big difference between Claudio Bravo and Joe Hart

Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague thinks Claudio Bravo is better suited to Pep Guardiola's style of football than Joe Hart.

Bravo has arrived in Manchester ahead of a medical and a finalisation of personal terms for his move to Manchester City.

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The 33-year-old's imminent arrival has cast doubt on the future of England No 1 Hart, who Sky sources understand is now almost certain to leave the club before the deadline.

And Balague is not surprised Guardiola is bringing Bravo to the Etihad, saying there is a big difference between what the Chile international can do compared to Hart.

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Manchester City close in on the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Bravo

"Goalkeepers at Barcelona need to understand the game tactically and be very good with the ball," Balague told Sky Sports News HQ.

"They have to understand when they have to play the ball short or long and these are things Joe Hart, perhaps, hasn't been developed on.

"I've got no doubt he can learn and become much more confident with his feet, but at the moment there is a big difference in what Bravo can do and most goalkeepers.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola talks to goalkeeper Joe Hart during a training session at the City Football Academy, Manchester.
Image: Joe Hart's future is in doubt at City

"When you are at Barcelona you have to brave. You have to have confidence and that confidence comes from what the coach has been asking him and the coaching he has been getting," he added.

"It's very important for Pep Guardiola that the team starts the build-up with control. You know what you are doing from the goalkeeper and that he touches the ball as often as is needed.

"Goalkeepers are there to stop goals and I think Joe Hart and Claudio Bravo are as good as each other, but Bravo adds those other things that are important, in fact, essential to a Guardiola team."

Joe Hart (R) warms up with team-mate Willy Caballero
Image: Willy Caballero (left) has started Man City's Premier League games this season

City have agreed a fee of around £17m for Bravo and Balague thinks the deal represents good value for the Premier League side.

And he believes the Chilean stopper can continue to play at the very top level for another four or five years.

"I've got no doubt whatsoever that it is [good value]," Balague said. "He was the best goalkeeper in Spain a couple of years ago.

Barcelona's Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo looks on during a training session at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi
Image: Bravo is on the verge of joining Man City for a fee in the region of £17m

"After eight years at Real Sociedad he came to Barcelona, which is a club where it's very difficult for the goalkeeper because of all the demands placed on them tactically and technically.

"He fitted in really well, though. He's 33 now but he can still be at the top for four or five years at this level."

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