Barcelona confirms 'beginning of agreement' with Man City for Bravo

Robert Fernandez revealed that the club is in talks with the Etihad Stadium outfit for the 33-year-old's signature, as Pep Guardiola inches closer to signing his man.

Posted Sunday, August 21, 2016 by Goal.com

Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez has confirmed Manchester City has "a beginning of an agreement" to buy Claudio Bravo.

The Chilean is a target of City manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, as the former Catalans' boss looks to replace Joe Hart.

Barcelona is thought to be very close to securing a replacement for the departing Bravo, with Jasper Cillessen rumored to be on the verge of a five-year deal.

Bravo turned out for his current side as it began its La Liga title defense with a 6-2 win over Real Betis on Saturday, but Fernandez's words appear to confirm that was the 33-year-old's final match in Blaugrana colors.

"We have the beginning of an agreement with Manchester City for Claudio Bravo," the club official told reporters after the match.

Guardiola has been pushing all summer for a custodian comfortable with building play from the back using his feet, ousting Hart from City's starting XI this term.

Willy Caballero has started all three of the club's competitive fixtures this season, with Bravo's impending arrival only likely to plunge the England No. 1's future into further doubt.

Barcelona has moved swiftly to secure Bravo's successor in the form of Cillessen, who is expected to serve as Marc-Andre ter Stegen's deputy at Camp Nou.

"We are awaiting events this week [regarding a replacement for Bravo]," Fernandez added.

"When Claudio leaves, we hope to have a new keeper."