Bravo Set To Remain With City

Claudio Bravo is ready to run down the final year of his contract – with interested clubs currently put off by his £120,000-per-week wages. The 36-year-old was hopeful a move back to Spain might materialise this summer, with his stock still high from his trophy-laden time at Barcelona.

There was even chatter his former employers might be interested in bringing him back to the Nou Camp, although the South American’s advisers were told Bravo’s £6m-per-year salary was too rich even for their deep pockets. The Chilean shot-stopper is fit again after missing most of last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon injury, so City are trying to make space again behind first-choice Ederson.

Youngster Aro Muric, who proved such a capable understudy to the Brazilian last term, is poised to join Nottingham Forest on loan to keep him sweet. Bravo, however, is refusing to be pushed out of the door – even with the Citizens holding talks to sign Eiber’s veteran goalkeeper Asier Riesgo – knowing the Premier League champions are still stuck with his hefty pay packet.