According to reports from The Independent this morning, Athletic Bilbao have insisted potential suitors of star centre-back Aymeric Laporte must meet his £35million release clause in full.
The 6 foot 2 defender is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents the Spanish top flight has to offer, having already registered 119 competitive appearances for the Basque outfit at just 21 years of age.
He’s been linked with a Premier League move for some time and has produced strong form yet again this season, averaging 2.1 tackles, 3.1 interceptions and 2.4 successful aerial duels per match from seven La Liga outings.
Reports earlier this month claimed the France U21 had agreed to join Barcelona at the end of the season but they appear to be somewhat wide of the mark.
The Independent cite Bilbao-based newspaper El Correro in claiming Laporte is still up for grabs, with Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all in the running, but any interested party will have to pay his £35million release clause in full.
The Red Devils are known to be on the look out for added quality at the heart of defence after starting the season with versatility man Daley Blind filling in at centre-half, whilst Chelsea are targeting Laporte as a potential alternative to John Stones.
Reports this morning revealed Everton have opened contract talks with the England international to block a move to west London in January.