Topics: English Premier League, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, FC Barcelona, Claudio Bravo
Reports from Spain suggest that the Chilean goalkeeper has been followed closely by the soon-to-be coach since he played for Real Sociedad.

While Manchester City's supporters expect Pep Guardiola to bring an all-star cast to his new version of the Sky Blues, his first target might seem a bit strange to some.

With such names as Robert Lewandowski, Paul Pogba and many others linked to a move to the Etihad, the first potential signing for Pep Guardiola as Manchester City's boss could be none other than Chilean shot-stopper Claudio Bravo. 

According to Spanish newspaper As, Bravo is the front runner to become Man City's goalkeeper, since Guardiola has followed him closely over the past few years. The same report claims that Pep urged Barcelona's execs to sign Bravo when he played for Real Sociedad during his time as Los Blaugranas coach, given that his ball-handling skills were just what the team needed.

Bravo was expected to be a backup keeper for Luis Enrique's team, but after Marc-André Ter Stegen came down with a back injury, Bravo earned the starting spot with Los Blaugranas.

The veteran South American goalie has started 17 La Liga games so far this season, conceding only ten goals in the process. During his maiden season with Los Blaugranas, he won the Zamora trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper in the Spanish top flight.

Bravo showed the world how limber he is during last weekend's warmup sessions.

Nevertheless, Guardiola's desire to sign the talented goalkeeper could not be easy to fulfill, as the South American's €40 million buyout clause could be too much for Man City's execs to spend on a 32-year old shot-stopper.