Joe Hart had travelled to the US with Manchester City for their pre-season tour but it is quite clear that his future lies away from Manchester. The 31-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan spells at Torino and West Ham United.
Hart’s errors at the back cost him his place in the West Ham team and due to lack of game-time, he was also left out of the England squad for the World Cup in Russia.
And as per a recent report, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola want to help the Englishman revive his career and are willing to lower their asking price which stands at £5m.
Hart had an illustrious career with Manchester City before Pep Guardiola came in to take charge. His decision to axe the Englishman from the team came as a surprise to many. Hart had won four Premier League Golden Gloves in the period of 2011 to 2015.
We look at three clubs that are in need to sign a goalkeeper.
FULHAM
The newly-promoted Premier League team has done exceptionally well in this transfer window by signing a number of quality players. Jean Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andre Schurrle joined The Whites and they were also able to hold onto their sensational fullback, Ryan Sessegnon.
Fulham is a bit shallow in the goalkeeping position with only Marcus Bettinelli and Fabri as options. Joe Hart’s arrival will not only bring on board the quality and experience but also a strong presence in the dressing room.
Most Fulham players will be playing on such a grand stage for the first time and Hart’s experience could help them to adjust and survive in the league.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Magpies have four goalkeepers in their squad but it isn’t about the numbers, it’s about the quality. Martin Dubravka is expected to be the first choice goalkeeper for Rafa Benitez after making a permanent move this summer. He did an incredible job after joining on loan in January and helped the club finish in a respectable 10th place.
Joe Hart is likely to attract a nominal fee and bringing in such an experienced presence might be a smart move with an eye on the future as well.
CRYSTAL PALACE
With Julian Speroni turning 39 this year, Wayne Hennessey seems to be the only goalkeeper in the squad Roy Hodgson can rely on. Vicente Guaita was signed to compete for the spot but he has played second fiddle to Hennessey and is unlikely to play a big role. The move for Joe Hart will make complete sense for the Eagles as Hodgson looks for leaders in the team.
They have a strong backline consisting of Mamadou Sakho, Scott Dann and Patrick Van Aanholt. Addition of a quality goalkeeper like Joe Hart will offer them more security at the back and hence Hart is a player Roy can definitely consider signing.