According to numerous reports coming out of England, Everton are set to exit the race for out-of-favour English goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Frozen out by new Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, Hart is looking for a move away from the Etihad after falling behind Willy Caballero and the incoming Claudio Bravo in the pecking order – due to the Argentine’s higher comfort with the ball at his feet.
However, Hart did start in the second-leg against Steaua Bucharest in a 1-0 victory. The game appeared to be his farewell, as he was met with a warm reception by the City fans in attendance – including a standing ovation and signs expressing their gratitude for his services.
However, the Daily Mail is reporting that Everton are not willing to pay the wages which the Englishman requires and are not comfortable with paying such a hefty transfer fee. The Toffees did sign Maarten Stekelenburg already and he has been in solid form over the past two games. With an experienced replacement for Tim Howard, it provides less of a necessity for Ronald Koeman to splash money on a goalkeeper.
It remains to be seen who Everton will bring in before the deadline, still with funds remaining after the sale of John Stones to Manchester for £47.5 million and the purchase of Yannick Bolasie for £25 million.
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