Manchester City are keen to pursue a £32m summer move for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, according to reports.
The 20-year-old defender has a €42 million release clause, which is roughly £32 million.
Real Madrid also hold an interest in the promising defender, however Manchester United looked set to rival the La Liga club for the French defender in the winter transfer window.
United’s failings to do so have now seen rivals Man City lead the race to sign the Basque defender.
City scout Rob Newman has been to Basque country on numerous occasions this season to watch the youngster in action and the English club believe that he can become a big part of their summer revival.
Laporte joined Bilbao in 2012 and has gone on to make 66 appearances for the Spanish outfit, and he has impressed many with his mature performances at the heart of defence