Manchester United are eyeing the capture of star Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, according to reports.
Laporte is considered to be one of the La Liga’s best young defenders, and Metro reports United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward took the opportunity to watch the defender after jetting into Spain to complete a £22m deal for Barcelona winger Pedro.
United will have to dig deep into its coffers to sign the defender, with Bilbao reportedly slapping a £36.5m release clause on the France Under-21 international.
Louis van Gaal is reportedly still looking to bolster his defence before the closure of the transfer window despite his side getting off to a perfect start in the Premier League.
Laporte is primarily a centre-back but has also been deployed as a left-back during his time in Bilbao, with his versatility making him an interesting prospect for the Premier League giants.
The 20-year-old made the move from France to join Athletic’s world-famed youth setup in 2010.
Since making his first-team debut in 2012, Laporte has made 76 La Liga appearances, scoring two goals.
He’s just the second Frenchman – after Bixente Lizarazu – to play for the Basque club.
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