Manchester United and Manchester City are fighting over the signature of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, reports the Daily Star.
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The 20-year-old has long been linked to the Red Devils, and it now seems that their local rivals are attempting to muscle in on any deal. However, the Basque club aren’t keen to see their star player leave, and could demand a large fee of around €40 million for the centre-back.
United could have an advantage in the battle for the youngster’s services, as current player Ander Herrera is good friends with his former teammate. However, manager Louis van Gaal is also interested in signing Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, so could have his priorities split.
This may allow the Citizens to jump in on the deal. They are in need of a new centre-back due to the poor form of Vincent Kompany, as well as Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala looking off the pace in the Premier League.