In Manchester United’s search for long-term replacements for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Louis Van Gaal seems to be targeting younger and younger players. Names like Marquinhos and Raphael Varane continue to pop up and let’s not forget Aymeric Laporte who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since the summer.
Perhaps this is the right approach. Ferdinand and Vidic were at the club for an awfully long-time after all. Manchester United are right to want their next signings in this department to be around for a while. Wouldn’t it be nice to have another young defensive talent grow, develop and improve at Old Trafford?
This brings me to Manchester United’s continued interest in Aymeric Laporte. According to The Star, Louis Van Gaal and co. are willing to offer Athletic Bilbao as much as £15m for their well-regarded young centre-back. Unfortunately, the La Liga side are unwilling to budge. The Red Devils will either need to cough up more cash or wait until the summer.
The source suggests that if Van Gaal can wait a few more months, he’ll be in a better position to land the Frenchman. Laporte has a £20m release clause written into his Athletic Bilbao contract. If Manchester United can find the cash, then the La Liga side will have little choice but to sell up.
This would be a smart piece of business by Louis Van Gaal. Aymeric Laporte has shown a remarkable amount of talent at a young age. He may only be 20-years-old, but he’s already so confident on the ball. He’s strong in the tackle, good in the air and he doesn’t let himself get physically dominated by any of his league’s older players.
He’s one of the best defenders in his age-bracket. Why wouldn’t The Red Devils be interested?
This January or next summer? Either way, this looks like an important piece of business.
What’s your take? When will Manchester United get their hands on Aymeric Laporte?
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