Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that he will not stand in Joe Hart's way if the England goalkeeper wants to leave the Etihad Stadium before the end of the month.
The 29-year-old was left out of Guardiola's starting XI for Man City's Premier League opener against Sunderland last weekend, in addition to their Champions League clash with Steaua Bucuresti earlier this week.
It is understood that Barcelona's Claudio Bravo is close to joining the English club, leaving Hart as number two or potentially number three behind Wilfredo Caballero at the English club this season.
Guardiola has revealed that he has already had an open discussion with Hart, who he hopes will fight for his place in the team, but the former Bayern Munich boss has hinted that a departure is possible.
"I spoke with Joe the first moment we met in China, I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as a keeper. He's valuable. Until August 31, everything is open. If Joe is still here, he will fight for his place," Guardiola told reporters.
Everton have been strongly linked with a move for the Englishman, who joined Man City from Shrewsbury Town in 2006 and has made 347 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.
Matt Law
