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Claudio Bravo has been given permission to miss Barcelona's training session this morning as his move to Manchester City edges ever closer.

The 33-year-old is expected to finalise his move to the Etihad Stadium in the coming days.

He agreed personal terms with City officials last week – but Barcelona have been keen to keep hold of Bravo until a replacement was identified.

It is understood Barcelona have now reached an agreement with Ajax 'keeper Jasper Cillessen who looks set to join the club for £12 million.

Barcelona officials admitted last night that Bravo was on the verge of a switch.

The Spanish club's technical secretary Robert Fernandez said: “We have the beginning of an agreement in principle with Manchester City for Claudio Bravo.

“We need to sign a goalkeeper. We are waiting events this week.

“When Claudio leaves, we hope to have a new goalkeeper.”

Bravo's arrival could spell the end of Joe Hart's City career.

Txiki Begiristain, the club's sporting director, has advised Hart to find a new club before the end of the transfer window, according to a report in the Mail .

Begiristain is understood to have held face-to-face talks with the England goalkeeper and informed him that it would be in the best interests of everyone if he left the Etihad Stadium in search of first-team football.

Hart has been left on the bench for all three of City's matches this season after playing just 45 minutes in pre-season.

Pep Guardiola wants to see City play possession-based football, with every member of the side comfortable on the ball.

Hart's distribution skills have often been questioned and Guardiola has doubts about his ability to adapt to the new style of football being introduced at the club.

Guardiola said on Friday: "I spoke with Joe from the first moment we met. I try to be clear with my players and I was clear with him.

"The first thing I am looking for from the goalkeeper is to save. After that he has to be able to help us to create a good build-up. That is why I am here."

Hart has made 347 appearances for City since joining the club from Shrewsbury in 2006.