When interested clubs finally make a move for his signature, Joe Hart expects Manchester City to set his valuation at a reasonable price.
Hart had been City’s first-choice goalkeeper from the 2007-08 season up until the arrival of Pep Guardiola last summer, when Claudio Bravo was signed from Barcelona for £17million and the 30-year-old was sent on loan to Torino. Despite the far from convincing performances of his successor, the England international has no future at the Etihad Stadium, particularly as Ederson has recently arrived from Benfica for around £35million.
Although he admits he has not yet received any offers for his signature, it would be a huge surprise if there weren’t concrete offers from rival Premier League clubs during the summer. And when these bids do arrive, Hart, who has made 348 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, will expect his employers not to price him out of a permanent transfer.
“I need an offer first and then I need to work out my options if I have choices,” he said. “I certainly don’t think they are going to try and price me out of a move, I think there’s enough respect between the player and club. We’re going to work together, there’s no point in working against. There is no animosity between the two. They are going in their direction and I need to go in mine.”
West Ham United are the latest club to be linked with a move for Hart, who drew criticism for the two free-kick goals Scotland scored in the 2-2 draw with England on Saturday. Everton and Liverpool have also been linked with the former Shrewsbury Town youngster in recent weeks, so it is unlikely he will be kicking his heels when the new campaign begins in August.
