The Red Devils are believed to be interested in signing Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte.
Manchester United will be able to land young French central defender Aymeric Laporte from La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao, but only if they are willing to play the highly rated star’s full £31 million release clause, according to respected Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.
SEE MORE:
Robin van Persie slams his form
Gerard Pique caught up in tax scandal
Manchester United transfer news
United are thought to be considering Laporte as a potential solution to their issues in defence, where it seems clear that Louis van Gaal needs to add another body as soon as possible after a string of issues in that position so far this season.
On Laporte. Buyout clause £31m. Athletic Bilbao, who expect an offer from MUFC, wont sell for less. Laporte happy 2 go if Utd pays full fee
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 26, 2015
Laporte is the latest in a long line of young players to make the grade at San Mames but, as with the likes of Ander Herrera before him, the Basque club’s recruitment policy means that they are unlikely to consider selling for less than the buyout clause inserted into the player’s contract.
This means that van Gaal and his Old Trafford chiefs will need to weigh up the player’s clear potential and ability against a huge financial outlay for a player still in the formative years of his footballing career, when there are perhaps more experienced world class options available for a similar price.