Manchester City eye transfer of Bayern Munich star for reunion with Pep Guardiola
Football
By
Mirror
| Mar 04, 2016
England No 1 Joe Hart's Blues future is in doubt as their incoming boss wants a 'sweeper-keeper' — and the one he currently has is high on the shopping list
Manuel Neuer is one of the dream targets on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City transfer wish-list - plunging Joe Hart's long-term future into doubt.
Manager Guardiola is planning a major squad overhaul when he takes over in the summer.
Having a 'sweeper-keeper' who is good with his feet is a key part of his philosophy, and the Spaniard is determined to have one as his last line of defence at City.
And that could spell bad news for England No 1 Hart if the new boss feels he doesn't fit the bill, as Neuer, Guardiola's current Bayern Munich stopper, certainly does.
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He would be the Spaniard's top choice to come in if he decides to target a new keeper, and City are keeping an eye on the German international's situation at Bayern.
The 29 year-old still has three years left to run on his current deal, but initial discussions have already been held about an improved contract.
Neuer is understood to be after a pay-rise which would see his wages increase to around a huge £300,000-a-week — almost double what Bayern's current top-earners get.
Big-spending City could meet such wage demands, but persuading Bayern to sell would be the bigger hurdle.
If the Blues can't land Neuer and Hart is unable to convince Guardiola he has what it takes to play as required, the former Barca boss is prepared to look elsewhere.
Hart is firmly established as City's no 1 and is an influential personality in their dressing room, so replacing him would be a huge call for Guardiola to make so soon after arriving.
The 28-year-old is not the only one facing a nervous wait to see if he fits into Guardiola's plans.
Midfield duo Yaya Toure and Fernando and striker Wilfried Bony's futures are also uncertain following City's decision to appoint Guardiola to succeed Manuel Pellegrini.