Pellegrini to Raid Former Club for Experienced Goalkeeper Willy Caballero – Report

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is ready to bring in some major competition for out-of-form number one Joe Hart as he looks to raid former club Malaga for experienced goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

The 32 year old excelled under Pellegrini and was instrumental in helping first qualify for the Champions League and then make it the quarter-finals of the competition where they were unlucky to lose to Borussia Dortmund.

Despite Caballero never having played senior international football, the Argentinean is largely considered one of the most consistent performers in Spain and was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Pellegrini was in discussions with Caballero but the keeper was aware that he would be forced to play second fiddle to Hart and instead decided to remain in La Liga.

But with Hart struggling in recent weeks, and coming under increasing media scrutiny, Marca believe that Pellegrini is ready to make an offer for Caballero when the transfer window opens in January.

The City boss admitted he gave serious consideration to dropping Hart for the home game against Everton but he has yet to drop the England number one in favour of reserve keeper Costel Pantilimon.

Should Pellegrini decide to bring in some more experienced cover in January then he will need to convince Caballero that he will receive game time at City.

The Chilean will also have to enter into tough negotiations with Malaga as the former Elche goalkeeper has a contract until the summer of 2017 and a release clause of €20m.

It is unlikely that City would be willing to meet such a high fee for a player who is now in his thirties and would most likely only provide completion for Hart, rather than be the club's first choice.