West Ham are close to completing the signing of Manchester City keeper Joe Hart on a season long loan after beating off competition from Newcastle, reports the Evening Standard.
Hart was frozen out of the Manchester City squad last summer by manager Pep Guardiola and subsequently spent the 2016/17 season on loan with Serie A side Torino. After his spell in Italy, Hart is now looking to revitalise his career in England away from the Etihad Stadium.
It was believed that City wanted to sell the 30-year-old permanently, however a compromise deal has now been agreed that will give the Hammers the option to buy at the end of the season. Sources also suggest that the Hammers will only have to pay half of the players wages, with Manchester City covering £50,000 of his reported £100,000 per week wage bill.
While Hart has often come under criticism in the past, West Ham fans seem delighted with their most recent acquisition and have taken to Twitter to share their joy …
Joe Hart. Englands no.1 ⚒️⚒️ pic.twitter.com/gNxw5GTpeh
— Fergus⚒ (@Fergus_WHU) July 14, 2017
West Ham fans who think Joe Hart isn't better than what we have right now are deluded fools.
— Michael Oliver. (@MichaelOIiver) July 13, 2017
I take joe hart all day long thank u ever so much yess england number1 is well thank u #westham
— ddas (@TheHammerSmithy) July 14, 2017
If we get Joe Hart will be buzzing
— luke (@claretandluke) July 14, 2017
I'd be happy with Joe Hart at West Ham
— Con (@_ConnorWard) July 14, 2017
I'm looking forward to singing "England's number one! England's, England's number one" #JoeHart
— L U K E ⚒ (@LukeyMalden) July 14, 2017
Joe hart Medical today
You're silly if you wouldn't want Joe Hart at West Ham.
— Tom (@tomomalono) July 14, 2017