West Ham United could be closing in on Newcastle target Joe Hart.
According to the Daily Mail, West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, with their offer seemingly beating Newcastle United.
The Hammers have already added one former City ace to strengthen their back line, with defender Pablo Zabaleta joining on a free transfer, and Slaven Bilic could look to reunite him with Hart.
England’s Joe Hart during training
Hart, 30, may have racked up almost 350 appearances for City whilst winning two Premier League titles, but that didn’t stop Pep Guardiola from freezing him out at the Etihad Stadium, and ending him on loan to Torino.
Now back at City after his year in Italy, Hart still has no future with the club – as compounded by the signing of Brazilian stopper Ederson – and looks set to move on.
The Daily Mail report that Hart is ‘almost certain’ to join West Ham this summer, initially on loan with a view to a permanent move, having seemingly fended off rival interest from Newcastle United.
It’s stated that West Ham’s offer to pay half of Hart’s wages has won the race for the England international, with Newcastle only prepared to pay a quarter of his wages.
England’s Joe Hart
Rafael Benitez has not only allowed Matz Sels to leave the club, but could do the same with Karl Darlow, meaning that a true first-choice goalkeper would be needed at St. James’ Park – and Hart fits the bill.
However, this looks to be yet another deal that Newcastle simply haven’t been able to get over the line, and West Ham look set to clinch their second addition of the summer by landing Hart, which could throw the futures of Darren Randolph or Adrian into doubt.
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