Pep Guardiola wants Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to replace Joe Hart as ball-playing goalkeeper

JOE HART is fighting for his Manchester City future ahead of the new Premier League season – as boss Pep Guardiola targets a ball-playing goalkeeper.

It is thought Guardiola does not believe England keeper Hart has the quality of distribution needed to suit his style.

A City insider said: “Hart’s place is definitely under threat next season and Pep is looking for another goalkeeper.

“He wants someone to come straight in who is good with their feet. This is the biggest challenge of his City career.

“Pep wants Hart to fight for his place but he must be able to pick it up in training pretty much straight away.”

Guardiola is a big fan of Ter Stegen and he is his first choice, but he has an incredible £67million release clause.

Bravo is his back-up option, but it would be difficult to take either of the pair away from the Nou Camp.

A move would see the end of Willy Caballero’s City career, with suggestions he could be part of any deal seeing him go the other way to Barcelona.

Guardiola is willing to wait until the end of the transfer window to get a deal done and will not rush anything through.