Manchester City agree deal to sign Aymeric Laporte

Updated January 27, 20182 Mins read350

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao, according to Sky in Italy.

City are thought to be happy to match the defender’s £57m release clause, which would break the club’s transfer record of £55m that they paid for Kevin De Bruyne in 2015.

Sky Sports News reported earlier this week discussions had begun between the clubs over a deal for the 23-year-old.

Laporte, who has made 19 appearances for Athletic this season, was left out of their squad to face Eibar on Friday.

Pep Guardiola refused to give anything away when asked about their pursuit of Laporte, but it appears they have now persuaded the Spanish club to part company with the highly-rated Frenchman.

Asked whether Laporte was a player of interest, Guardiola said: “There were players in the past who we were interested in and we will be in the present and the future.

“I always try to do the best for the club; knowing the players that we have and knowing the players that can improve our squad.”

Laporte previously turned down a move to the Etihad in October 2016 but the Premier League leaders have always remained interested.

Premier League Arsenal rally to mark Wenger landmark with Swansea win Arsenal celebrated Arsene Wenger’s 800th Premier League game as manager with a win but only after coming from a goal behind to beat Swansea City 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Olivier Giroud will not move to Borussia Dortmund

EU’s Barnier gives Britain two-week deadline EU Brexit chief Michel Barnier on Friday handed Britain a two-week ultimatum to make concessions on a divorce agreement if it wants to unlock the next phase of talks in December.

Liverpool did all they could to keep Philippe Coutinho, says Jurgen Klopp

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez arrives Manchester United for medical

Everton Club ban fan who attacked Lyon player while holding child Everton on Friday banned a fan who appeared to try and strike a Lyon player while holding a child during their Europa League tie as UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings following the crowd trouble at Goodison Park.

Real Madrid wins FIFA Club World Cup for the third time, becomes first team in history to retain the title (Photos)

Manchester United Signs Alexis Sanchez From Arsenal Now Set To Earn £350,000 Weekly

West Ham defender Jose Fonte ruled out for 2-3 months

Arsenal should be targeting Anthony Martial rather than Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Charlie Nicholas