According to reports from The Daily Mail yesterday evening, Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward attended the Spanish Super Cup final last night to run the rule over Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte.
The Red Devils’ transfer head honcho flew out to Spain yesterday to try and thrash out a deal for Barcelona star Pedro, amid fears Chelsea could attempt to hijack their £22million pursuit of the Spain international, but also had one eye on the Basque outfit’s prodigious defender Aymeric Laporte – who featured in Bilbao’s 5-1 win over the Catalans.
>>> Keep up to date with ALL of the Premier League’s confirmed summer transfers <<<
The 21 year-old centre-back has plenty of admirers in the Premier League, with The Daily Star mooting Arsenal, Chelsea and the Red Devils as potential summer suitors earlier this year.
He’s widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in La Liga, last season averaging the second-most interceptions per-match, an impressive 3.7, of any player in the division.
The France U21 signed a contract extension at San Mames earlier this summer, raising his release clause to a whopping £36.5million.
But after falling short in their efforts to sign World Cup winning defenders Mats Hummels and Sergio Ramos, it’s believed the Red Devils are considering activating Laporte’s buy-out fee. Woodward’s account of Laporte’s performance could be the deciding factor.
if arsen wenger refuse to sign any player this season let him live the club
Time is running out so Manchester United should sign a good defender and a star striker if they really want to compete for any trophy this season
If Mr Woodward manages to pull this one of it would be a top coup. At the tender age of 20 this lad is some talent. I watched the Atletico v Barcelona game last night and the way he controlled and led the back four against arguably the best attacking side in the world, should be the defining moment for Mr Woodward to pay his buyout clause. Laporte, 20, is also young enough to give United a massive profit he decides to move say after 4/5 years!