Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte’s move to Manchester City is ‘imminent’
Boss Pep Guardiola starts strengthening his defence with young French ace according to report out of Spain
MANCHESTER CITY will reportedly secure the services of young Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte this week.
The arrival of Frenchman, who is regarded as the finest central defensive talent in Europe, at the Etihad is imminent, according to .
The Under-21 international was one of two key signings identified by incoming boss Pep Guardiola when he agreed to take over on February 1.
Now it appears that Guardiola is finally going to get his man with City willing to pay his £39m buy-out clause and start strengthening a defence which conceded more goals than any of their top-four rivals last season.
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Laporte is seen as part of Guardiola’s long-term plans, as a centre-back who is superb on the ball with a left foot that adds balance to his team’s backline.
He moved to Bilbao from French club Bayonne at the age of 16, playing almost 140 games since and winning the Supercopa de Espana.
And the Spanish media claim the 22-year old has had an offer on the table from City since March.
Laporte is not expected to be back in action until August after breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle in an under-21 international against Scotland in March.