Manchester United will reportedly look to sign Joe Hart from arch-rivals Manchester City if David De Gea leaves in the summer.
According to a report in The Sun, Manchester United could attempt to make a sensational raid on neighbours Manchester City in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are preparing a move for Joe Hart if David De Gea departs from Old Trafford.
Hart has enjoyed a stellar career with Manchester City, winning multiple major honours with the club while also securing the Golden Glove four times. City manager Pep Guardiola, though, prefers a Sweeper Keeper more than a natural one, meaning Hart has become an outcast at Etihad.
Hart is coming off a season-long loan spell at Torino in 2016/17, where he took no time to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. But he was also a figure of inconsistency as he struggled to thread together a run of top notch performances, managing just 5 clean sheets while conceding a staggering 62 goals in 36 Serie A games.
At the Etihad, meanwhile, the recently concluded season was an underwhelming one for both Claudio Bravo, who was signed as Hart’s replacement last summer, and Willy Caballero. While the Argentine has been released this summer, Bravo remains with City despite his struggled.
However, instead of bringing City veteran Hart back into the scheme of things, Guardiola has addressed his issues by signing Benfica goalkeeper Ederson. Meanwhile, Hart is adamant that he wants to play for a Premier League club even though City are believed to be reluctant to sell to a rival.
If widespread reports are to be believed, the 30-year-old could sensationally stay in Manchester to play for City’s bitter rivals Manchester United next season. The Red Devils are in a precarious situation as far as the position between the sticks is concerned, with the future of David De Gea up in the air.
The Spain number one has been heavily linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, who are in hot pursuit of the shot stopper. Manchester United, though, will fight tooth and nail to keep hold of their prized asset this summer, even as Los Blancos look set to test their resolve with a £60 million bid.
Should the Red Devils fail to retain the services of De Gea beyond the summer, Jose Mourinho will turn his attention towards Hart over a shock move from City. The potential transfer, however controversial it may be, can also help the English shot stopper to cement his place as the resounding first-choice in the national squad as well.
It now remains to be seen if the shock move sees the light of the day. For now, though, the priority for Jose Mourinho and Manchester United is to retain the services of David De Gea.
