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Everton FC transfer target Joe Hart can leave Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The England number one has been strongly linked with a move to Everton after being frozen out by Guardiola, sitting on the bench for their first two games against Sunderland and Steaua Bucharest.

Speaking in the City press conference today, Guardiola said the keeper can leave the club if he wants to but will have to request the move.

Blues boss Ronald Koeman has previously said he is looking for a new goalkeeper , while Everton's interest in the player has also been confirmed.

Meanwhile there have been further developments over another Everton transfer target, Lamine Kone.

The Sunderland centre back has been left out of the squad for this weekend's game against Middlesbrough, with the club saying he has injured his back.

Sunderland boss David Moyes has said they will offer him a new contract should he stay with the club and added in his press conference today: "We hope he (Kone) sees we want him to be here. We have that offer from Everton (for him) and he knows that as well."