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Rumour Reel: Bravo to Man City, Pardew eyes Hammers hit man while Mourinho fancies Fonte

| 15.08.2016
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Robbie Purves | August 15, 2016

Coral’s rumour reel

Pep Guardiola could be about to solve his goalkeeping conundrum, with Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo to Manchester City a rumour splashed all over today’s back pages.

The Premier league season started this weekend, with Joe Hart being dropped in favour of Willy Caballero in their 2-1 win against David Moyes’ Sunderland.

Bravo to Man City?

Guardiola’s pursuit of a ball-playing goalie could be in its final stages, as the Sky Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Chile centurion keeper Bravo.

Copa America Chile Bolivia Soccer

However, reports from Spain indicate the clubs are yet to see eye-to-eye over a fee, as the Barcelona stopper has a release clause of £36m, but City remain confident of landing Bravo for around £20m.

Although not the complete ball playing goalie, he would represent an upgrade on Hart – who’s distribution has always been a weak aspect of his game.

On selecting Caballero ahead of England’s number one, Guardiola said: “I think Willy had a really good pre-season. He gave me a lot of confidence for this game, his building-up play, his personality. That is why I chose him.”

After a calamitous Euro 2016 campaign for Hart, the arrival of Bravo would surely bring Hart’s decade long spell in Manchester.

Pardew eyes Hammers hit man

After overcoming a string of niggling injuries, Andy Carroll is reportedly keen on a fresh start, with Crystal Palace the big man’s most likely destination.

Leicester City v West Ham United - Barclays Premier League - King Power Stadium

West Ham United have signed Andre Ayew from Swansea, while Jonathan Calleri is to join on loan. Carroll may now find playing time for the east London outfit hard to come by, so could look for a new challenge.

Pardew has already had a £25m bid for Liverpool’s Christian Benteke rebuffed – according to reports – and may now set his sights on Carroll, who would cost a fraction of Benteke.

Mourinho fancies Fonte

After sealing the signature of world record breaking Paul Pogba for £89m, it appears Jose Mourinho is eyeing a final signing to complete his impressive summer window.

Arsenal v Southampton - Barclays Premier League - The Emirates Stadium

Manchester United’s Portuguese boss is reportedly still after a senior centre back and sees Euro 2016 winner Jose Fonte as a viable option, as Leonardo Bonucci and Raphael Varane remain out of reach.

Fonte was a rock for Ronald Koeman’s Southampton side last term which recorded 12 clean sheets, and impressed during Portugal’s European Championship triumph.

Related

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Author

Robbie Purves