PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly looking to sign Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning goalkeeper Rui Patricio as a replacement for Joe Hart.
The new Manchester City boss shocked fans when he dropped the long-serving shot-stopper in favour of reserve Willy Caballero for the 2-1 win over Sunderland.
Guardiola likes his goalkeeper to act as an extra defender, with speed, timing and passing all key attributes.
But following Hart’s disastrous campaign in France earlier this summer, it appears the Englishman has failed to convince Guardiola of his ball-playing abilities.
SunSport exclusively revealed the Spaniard had been locked in a battle with City chiefs before making his decision on Saturday, and a new No.1 could now be heading to the Etihad.
Guardiola’s first choice is believed to be Barcelona ace Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is Luis Enrique’s No.1 in Europe but lags behind Claudio Bravo for La Liga games.
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He is currently unhappy with the situation, having made just seven domestic appearances in two years, but his £70million release clause is proving to be a stumbling block for City.
Ter Stegen is also set to miss around eight weeks of action after suffering a knee ligament injury, and The Daily Record claims Sporting Lisbon star Patricio could be the man to replace Hart between the sticks instead.
The 28-year-old joined Sporting’s youth academy in 2000 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the finest keepers on the continent.
Patricio’s cause was further aided by an impressive showing at the Euros and Guardiola looks set to test the waters with a bid after already splashing £160m on the likes of John Stones, Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan.
However, City will have to act fast in order to see off competition from Everton boss Ronald Koeman.
The Dutchman moved for Maarten Stekelenburg after Tim Howard left Goodison Park but is still keen on bringing Patricio to Merseyside using the club’s newly-found riches.
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