PEP GUARDIOLA insisted Tuesday he will continue working with Joe Hart at Manchester City, even as Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo flew in to replace the unwanted England international.

    Hart has been the most high-profile victim of Guardiola’s new reign as manager of the Premier League club, with the City boss publicly announcing his preference for a goalkeeper who can play better with the ball at his feet. Willy Caballero replaced Hart for City’s first three competitive games, all victories.

    Bravo flew in to Manchester from Barcelona on Tuesday to complete his reported 17 million pounds (US$22 million) transfer from the Spanish club, a move that will see Hart, England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper during this year’s European Championships, relegated to third choice at the Eastlands.

    Hart’s plight has been compounded because potential moves to Everton and Sevilla appear to have fallen through, in part due to his high salary, which makes even a loan move prohibitive for many potential suitors.

    “I have an excellent relationship with Joe. We are clear — him with me, I with him. We spoke about football,” said Guardiola, who was photographed talking to Hart before City’s Champions League qualifying tie with Steaua Bucharest.

    “So I can’t deny what everybody knows. Barcelona, seven to 10 days ago, were the first ones to announce contact with Manchester City. But I’m sorry guys, until the deal is complete or not complete (I can’t speak), but at the moment the player (Bravo) is not our player,” Guardiola said.

    Guardiola has also urged striker Sergio Aguero to help his side maintain pressure on opponents and not “disappear” when his side does not have possession of the ball.

    (SD-Agencies)