In a move that follows the signing of Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City are attempting to bring Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, 22, to the Ethiad.
Despite being recently offered an improved contract by Bilbao, the French international is reportedly keen to make the move the Premier League and join forces with Pep Guardiola.
Although the 22 year old will be out until August with a broken leg and dislocated ankle, City have agreed to pay his £39 million release clause. The Eastlands club are currently in talks with Laporte’s agents – former Spain internationals, Carles Puyol and Iván de la Pena – and will submit their bid to Athletic after contractual terms have been finalised.
After joining Bilbao in 2013, Laporte has played over 120 games in La Liga while building a reputation as one of the world’s premier young defenders.
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