Liverpool are lining up Joe Hart as a potential target in the summer, according to reports.
The Reds were linked with a move for the English goalkeeper in the summer before he eventually joined Torino on a season-long loan. Hart was almost immediately dropped once Pep Guardiola took over and it is highly unlikely that he will play for City again, so long as the Spaniard is in charge.
And, according to a report in the Mirror, Liverpool are set to take advantage of the situation as they plot a swoop for Joe Hart in the summer. Despite Torino only keeping one clean sheet this season, Hart has been earning rave reviews for his performances for Torino and the Italian club are keen to extend his loan or even make the move permanent.
However, the Mirror report that the Reds are keeping track of Hart’s situation and could make a move for him. Liverpool are still struggling to find a long-term solution for their goalkeeper position and have failed to address their goalkeeping situation. Loris Karius was dropped by Jurgen Klopp after a series of poor showings and Simon Mignolet has had his fair share of issues in the past as well.
Chelsea were also linked with a move for Joe Hart earlier this season but, with Thibaut Courtois firmly in control of his starting position, it is likely that they are simply eyeing Hart as a back-up. Hart definitely will not want to join a club where he is not first choice as he will know that he has to be the No.1 keeper at a club in order to hold on to his position as England’s first choice goalkeeper.
And while Hart seems to be enjoying his time in Italy, there is no doubt that a move back to England and the chance to play for a club of Liverpool’s stature will be a much more attractive prospect than another season at Torino. Hart, who moved to Manchester City as a 19-year old in 2006, currently has only 2 years remaining on his contract after this season and at 29 years of age will not cost an exorbitant amount.
Should Liverpool’s goalkeeping woes continue for the rest of the season, signing Hart is a move that could make sense for both parties. Whether City will be willing to sell to a rival club, however, remains to be seen.
