Manchester City star defender offered in a swap deal

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 03: Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Aymeric Laporte after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester City at The King Power Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 03: Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Aymeric Laporte after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester City at The King Power Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It looks like it is time for Aymeric Laporte to make a dramatic return back to La Liga after spending only three years at Manchester City. The Spain international has struggled for minutes on the pitch under Pep Guardiola this season and it looks like he might be on his way out, thanks to the revival of John Stones.

More from Man City Transfer Rumors

Ruben Dias has established himself as an untouchable player in the starting XI after a very impressive first season at the club. Having said that, Laporte is still 27 and it is understandable why he would want to make the switch.

Sport understands that Manchester City are willing to back Pep Guardiola in his attempt to sign Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto with Aymeric Laporte being offered in what could be a swap deal.

VALENCIA, SPAIN – MAY 11: (L-R) coach Ronald Koeman of FC Barcelona, Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Levante v FC Barcelona at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on May 11, 2021 in Valencia Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN – MAY 11: (L-R) coach Ronald Koeman of FC Barcelona, Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Levante v FC Barcelona at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on May 11, 2021 in Valencia Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

The former Athletic Bilbao defender has been heavily linked with Barcelona in the last week or so and the Catalans are said to be interested in signing him. The 27-year-old could be a very good addition to Barcelona and could be assured of spending minutes on the pitch, given that Barcelona have been searching for their ideal defensive line-up.

Pep Guardiola is said to be a fan of Sergi Roberto who endured his worst season in a Barca shirt. Injuries limited the Spaniard to only 15 La Liga appearances and when he played, he looked far from his best. Having said that, it should be mentioned that Manchester City were interested in Sergi Roberto in the winter window but the defender himself shot the move down.

Times have changed now, however, and it looks like the Spaniard could be open to a move to the Premier League to revive his career.

Should Manchester City pursue Sergi Roberto or should they look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements?

Let us know in the comments section.