Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has conceded that Claudio Bravo may leave the club, but not before Saturday's La Liga opener against Real Betis.
The 33-year-old is a target for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, who is desperate to bring the goalkeeper on board to complement his passing style from the back.
Bravo was in tears after helping the Catalan giants to a straightforward Spanish Super Cup success over Sevilla on Wednesday night, and a move for the stopper is now thought to be close to completion.
Barcelona will not allow the Chile international to depart prior to strengthening their own ranks, however, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen currently on the sidelines with an injury.
"A lot has been said but I can only say that Claudio Bravo will be with us on Saturday," Fernandez told TV3. "After that, we will see. If in the end Bravo goes, another goalkeeper will have to come in first."
Valencia's Diego Alves is thought to be Barca's top target to replace Bravo, with the Brazilian likely to provide back-up to Ter Stegen over the course of the season.
Daniel Lewis
