Catalan paper SPORT have revealed that Barcelona are ready to admit defeat in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao’s highly touted defender Aymeric Laporte.
The exclusive states that Barcelona management believe the move for the French-Basque player to be impossible, and it has been the case ever since former manager Pep Guardiola announced his move to City in the summer.
It is reported that Guardiola wanted Laporte signed as a priority to help repair the defensive woes City have experienced in Vincent Kompany’s absence. Pep’s entourage have an agreement in principle with the player and now must set about finalising terms with Athletic.
It is expected that the Basque club with accept no less than the €50 million euro release clause in Laporte’s contract, as they have stated on numerous occasions Barcelona made advances previously.
It remains to be seen whether or not this is reliable information, but it appears SPORT are confident in their sources.
It would certainly be a coup for City if this deal comes off, with Laporte regularly described as one of the best young talents in European Football.
