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Southampton joins race for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart

By Ben Kupiszewski

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 13: Joe Hart of FC Torino gestures during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Torino at Stadio Olimpico on March 13, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - MARCH 13: Joe Hart of FC Torino gestures during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Torino at Stadio Olimpico on March 13, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /
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Joe Hart to Southampton? Don’t discount that the Saints need a goalkeeper if Fraser Forster gets poached.

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Did Liverpool miss a trick with Joe Hart?
Did Liverpool miss a trick with Joe Hart? /

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    • Manchester City outcast shotstopper Joe Hart recently made waves by saying returning to the Premier League is “not a priority.”

    Yeah, but there are those who still want him in England. Setting aside City supporters, West Ham, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and now Southampton communities might want to offer Hart a home.

    Citing the Sun, the Week reports that the Saints are preparing a bid for Hart. Officials at St. Mary’s fear their No. 1 Fraser Forster will leave this summer and thereby need a replacement. As City fans know, Hart is more than capable in that regard.

    Moreover, don’t discount Torino, the club of Hart’s exile, who claim they would love to retain the English international permanently instead of on loan. Finances might be an issue for a deal, but it’s not a surprise that the Italian side would to keep Hart in their quest to move further up the Serie A hierarchy.

    Hart’s played coy with his intentions for the summer. Undoubtedly, as the Week mentions, his unceremonious banishment by Pep Guardiola weighs heavily on his mind. Despite Claudio Bravo and Willy Caballero failing to play well enough to replace him, there’s too much bad blood between Hart and City for the two parties to put aside past grievances. It sucks, but it’s the truth.

    Related Story: Manchester City reportedly targets £86M Torino striker Andrea Belotti

    However, I think it’s reasonable to believe Hart wants to remain as England’s No. 1. Playing in the EPL helps his case and profile, no matter what Hart insists about England boss Gareth Southgate. So I think a move back to some other English side is likely because it is in his best interest.

    Plus, Southampton is good enough to not only be mid-table but possibly qualify for the Europa League. That’s a boon to entice any big name player, Hart included.

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