Manchester City close in on Aymeric Laporte after ‘agreeing to meet his £57m release clause’
French defender has become one of Europe's top prospects after coming through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao
MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly closing in on a £57million deal for Aymeric Laporte.
The French defender, 23, rose through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao to become one of Europe's top prospects.
Laporte is believed to be ready to agree a five-year contract with the Citizens, who he nearly joined in 2016.
His release clause then was just £43m, with Marca claiming his price is set to jump to £61m if City cannot complete a deal in January.
Centre-back Laporte is extremely comfortable on the ball and should fit Pep Guardiola's system well.
He is yet to win his first France cap but has plenty of experience in the Spanish top flight having made his first-team debut in the 2012-13 season.
And, with Bilbao not making the Champions League, there is the added advantage of him being available for the knockout stages.
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Guardiola has spent big on his defence but still has gaps to fill - especially with concerns over injury-prone skipper Vincent Kompany.
Benjamin Mendy's long-term injury has seen Fabian Delph used as an emergency left-back.
And John Stones has come under fire after failing to cut out the mistakes which have crept into his game, although Guardiola has refused to criticise the England youngster.