Joe Hart has a host of clubs looking to talk to him once his loan spell with Torino comes to an end, our Football Insider Graeme Bailey has learned.
Hart is currently enjoying himself on loan in Serie A from Manchester City and a return to The Etihad looks highly unlikely, despite the struggles of his replacement Claudio Bravo, who has since been replaced by number two Willy Caballero.
He has been linked with staying at Torino with City reportedly interested in their star striker Andrea Belotti – but we have been told he is unlikely to remain in Italy.
His agent Jonathan Barnett claims that his future is yet to be discussed by City and said: “It’s not something we’ve discussed with Manchester City.
“There are plenty of conversations to be had with them but there will be lots of options open to Joe because he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
Joe Hart gets 'positive vibes' from fans in Turin https://t.co/7MMAIam8GR pic.twitter.com/3cKBQn391f
— #King_Fortunate™ (@King_fortunate1) March 9, 2017
Our Football Insider Graeme Bailey has learned that a number of Premier League clubs have confirmed their interest to both City and Hart’s representatives, and understands that the England number one would prefer a move back to the Premier League next season.
“Sources have confirmed to me that Joe Hart wants to be back in the Premier League next season, whilst he has enjoyed his stint with Torino – and it has done his stock no harm at all – he knows that he has a number of clubs ready to take him,” said Bailey – who believes that Merseyside duo Liverpool and Everton will be in the mix, along with West Ham.
“City would rather he stayed with Torino ideally, as they don’t really want to let him join another club in England – but Pep Guardiola has been his feelings known, and one place he will not be playing is back at City so they know they look to move him on ASAP.
“I have been told that both Liverpool and Everton are keen, along with West Ham – but there are others too”
“I have been told that both Liverpool and Everton are keen, along with West Ham – but there are others too, up to half-a-dozen who in the Premier League who could want him.”
Guardiola brought in Bravo to replace Hart in the summer but has since dropped him for Caballero – but he insists he is happy with his current options and said: “I’m so happy with Willy and Claudio. We are going to talk about it [Hart’s future] at the end of the season.”
We spoke with SkyBet’s Dale Tempest about Hart and he told TheGamblingTimes.com: “At the moment Hart’s future seems to be in Italy although that can quickly change. The one thing we do know is that whilst Pep is at City a return to Manchester is very unlikely.”
Current Joe Hart odds with SkyBet, to sign with before end of transfer window in September 2017:
Liverpool 2/1
Torino 3/1
Everton 6/1
West Ham 7/1
Arsenal 7/1
Napoli 16/1
Sunderland 20/1
AC Milan 33/1
Sevilla 33/1
Dortmund 33/1
PSG 33/1
To Stay at Manchester City (Does not include returning on loan following a permanent deal elsewhere) 33/1