Claudio Bravo joins Manchester City as Joe Hart's replacement

London (AFP) – Manchester City have completed their swoop for Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday.

City manager Pep Guardiola’s move for Bravo is likely to push England goalkeeper Joe Hart closer to an exit from Eastlands after he lost his place to back-up Willy Caballero at the start of the season.

Guardiola, who arrived from Bayern Munich in the close season, wanted to sign Bravo because he felt Hart’s passing wasn’t good enough to fulfil his desire for a ‘sweeper-keeper’ who can effectively retain possession.

Bravo has signed a four-year contract and is reported to have cost City around £17 million ($22 million, 19 million euros).

“City are delighted to announce the signing of Claudio Bravo,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“The Chilean goalkeeper joins the Blues from Barcelona after signing a four-year-deal.”