ATHLETIC BILBAO defender Aymeric Laporte has agreed to join Manchester City, according to reports.
The 21-year-old, who is currently out of action for the next two months after picking up an ankle injury while on international duty for France, has been a key target for rivals Manchester United.
It is understood the centre-back had held talks with United over a £40million summer deal to bring him to Old Trafford, with Jose Mourinho keen on signing him should he replace Louis van Gaal in the summer.
However, according to journalist Gianluca Dimarzio, Laporte has already said yes to a move to the Etihad because of his admiration of incoming boss Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola, who has signed a three-year deal to replace Manuel Pellegrini in the summer, is said to be a huge admirer of Laporte and it appears as if he has got his man.
The report adds City will match United’s offer of £40m, which will activate the France Under-21 international’s release clause, with the next step being to work on the finer details of the deal that will see him secure a move to England.
If the move goes through this will signify the start of Guardiola’s revolution at Man City as the club looks set for a mass clearout when the 45-year-old arrives.
Laporte has made 42 appearances for Bilbao this season and has scored five goals.
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