Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revived the club’s interest in Aymeric Laporte despite being snubbed by the centre-back in the summer.
Laporte, 22, turned down the chance to join Guardiola at City in the summer in order to remain with Athletic Club, where he signed a new long-term deal.
The France international is seen as the ideal ball-playing centre-back to bring Guardiola’s philosophy to life at City and prove the long-term partner for John Stones, who City paid almost £50m to sign from Everton in the summer.
However, City would almost certainly have to pay more than that to acquire Laporte, as Athletic tend to prove difficult to negotiate with as they often demand the full release clauses in the contracts are met. In this instance it would require City matching Laporte’s £55m release clause.
Laporte has completed more passes than any other Athletic player in La Liga this season (547).
For more stats on Aymeric Laporte, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
