Joe Hart could move a step closer to joining Everton after he was allowed to leave Manchester City.
The England goalkeeper has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium following the appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager this summer.
Hart was overlooked for City’s opening Premier League win over Sunderland, as Guardiola opted to deploy understudy Willy Caballero as his number-one.
He previously attracted interest from the Blues as well as Europa League holders Sevilla and has edged nearer to the exit door with Guardiola’s blessing.
“I want happiness for the players, I dont want them to stay here if they don’t want to stay,” said Guardiola
“All the players here have a contract, if they decide they are going to stay they are going to stay.
“But they know the situation when I spoke with them. The situation, I spoke individually with them, so they know exactly what the situation is.
“I don’t know if the players are not happy here, or if they want to stay. They decide the future because they have the contract.
“If they want to stay, they will stay.”