Man City agree Laporte deal

Manchester City have reportedly beaten Barcelona to the signature of highly-rated Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte. The French centre-back has been in prime form for the Basque outfit in recent seasons, and this has caught the eye of top European clubs.

The Citizens had been closely tracking the progress of 21-year-old with manager Pep Guardiola being a huge admirer of his talents.

Spanish outlet Marca now confirms that the Mancunian giants have reached an agreement over a five-year deal with the young centre-half.

It is added that the Etihad outfit will trigger the player's escape clause which currently stands at £39.6m.

Laporte has made nearly 150 appearances for the La Liga outfit since his debut in 2012.