Barcelona lead Laporte chase

Barcelona are apparently heading the queue to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte.

The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for the Catalan giants, who are expected to freshen up their back-line in the summer.

Mundo Deportivo reveals that the European champions will step up their interest in the young centre-back amid speculation that Manchester United are tracking the player's situation.

It is also known that the arrival of the Frenchman could well see the end of Javier Mascherano's career at Camp Nou.

Laporte has amassed over 100 league appearances for the Basque outfit since his debut in 2012.