Manchester City looking at La Liga defender for summer transfer

After failing to close the move during the 2016 summer, Manchester City are yet again linked with the young French and La Liga defender.

Last summer when Pep Guardiola arrived, several big signings followed to help him jump start his Manchester City project. On the defensive front John Stones was the marquee signing, but now well over half way through the season it is clear Pep could have used another player or two along the back line.

One of the players that the club was linked with before the season kicked off was Aymeric Laporte. The deal ultimately fell through, but it looks like City are interested in trying again this coming summer.

Who is Aymeric Laporte?

He is a 22 year old French centre back who has been a part of the U17 through U21 squads over the past six years. Laporte started his senior career with Basconia in the lower divisions of Spanish football.

He eventually moved to Athletic Bilbao, where he had trained as a youth, and has played there since 2012. Now with over 100 La Liga appearances, he is seen as one of the best young CB prospects in Europe.

His contract runs until June of 2020, but given the attention he is now getting from clubs he will likely be moving up in a big money transaction. Laporte is valued around €25 million, according to Transfermarkt. Although it may end up costing closer to 30-35 to secure him after another season of top flight football.

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Able to play the ball out of the back well, and years of growth still ahead of him, City and Pep may have a great long term partner for Stones in Aymeric. While La Liga isn’t as tough at the EPL on a week by week basis, having to deal with Ronaldo and Messi several times a year is excellent training for any club or player.