Chelsea have reportedly identified Joe Hart as a possible replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who is being targeted by Real Madrid for a summer move
According to a report by The Sun, Joe Hart is the subject of interest from Chelsea, who are scouring goalkeeping targets, with Thibaut Courtois’ future at Stamford Bridge uncertain. The Blues are, thus, plotting a shock move for the veteran English shot-stopper, should their number one call it quits in the summer.
Hart’s career has gone pear shaped over the last 18 months or so. For the longest time, he was one of the most pivotal figures in the Manchester City first-team setup, winning the Golden Glove four times. But, that all changed upon the arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
The current Manchester City boss, who prefers to use a sweeper keeper recognised that Hart does not possess the required abilities, and the Englishman has since been away on loan, first at Torino and now at West Ham. While his time at Manchester City seems to be over, his next destination could be West London, with Chelsea interested in him.
Chelsea have lined up Joe Hart as a potential replacement for Thibaut Courtois. [The Sun] pic.twitter.com/S9YfY2J6Px
— Talk Chelsea ? (@talkchelsea) February 5, 2018
The Blues are in a precarious situation as far the goalkeeping department is concerned, with the future of Thibaut Courtois up in the air. The Belgian goalkeeper has just one year remaining in his current Chelsea deal, with no major developments over a renewal.
To make matters worse, Courtois is also being courted by Real Madrid, who are reportedly in desperate search of a goalkeeper. What doesn’t help Chelsea’s case is that Courtois has been open about his desire to return to the Spanish capital, considering his family is based in the city, and his past success in La Liga, albeit with Atletico Madrid.
Nevertheless, Eden Hazard recently claimed that both he and Courtois would be signing new deals at Chelsea soon, although there is nothing to suggest of the same happening. With that in mind, Chelsea are starting to lay the succession plan in motion, if their number one indeed calls it a day at Stamford Bridge.
But, the goalkeeper they are targeting might not appease their fans one bit, considering their recent transfer business has come under intense scrutiny. Hart now features on Chelsea’s transfer wish list, with Willy Caballero not considered worthy enough to be the first-choice goalkeeper.
However, the fact that the England international has fallen out of favour at West Ham, makes him an odd choice for the Blues. Manchester City are willing to offload the player though, and it now remains to be seen if he indeed makes his way to Stamford Bridge in the summer, provided Courtois decides to leave.
